STORY BY CAMPBELL TAYLOR; PHOTO GALLERY BY SARA CLARK

This Veterans Day the entire student body gathered in the Cardinal gym to honor and recognize our hometown veterans and veterans across the country. 

The ceremony included the playing of the National Anthem, Service Songs, and Taps, all performed by the GRC Band and Cardinal Choir. Also featured was guest speaker, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Shawn Umbrell, a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger. 

Ever since GRC moved into the new building in 2013 there has never been a Veterans Day celebration so the opportunity to host a Veterans Day celebration in GRC’s own facilities was long overdue.

“We have been waiting on this for a long time and we thought we would get to do it sooner, then COVID happened,” said Principal Jamie Keene. “So we were really excited leading into this.”

The program was hosted and organized by GRC’s US Army JROTC. “I thought our JROTC program did a phenomenal job of getting it all together,” Keene said. “I cannot have asked for a better assembly to honor our veterans.” 

The JROTC program got the word out through Public Affairs officer Taylor Hall who made a flyer then sent it out to parents, administration, and various organizations around the school. All veteran family and friends of students were invited and 57 veterans attended.

“We have a much bigger veteran population in Clark County than what a lot of people realize and they don’t get the recognition that they deserve,” said Master Sergeant Larry Lee.

Guest speaker Lieutenant Umbrell, who was highlighted for his military leadership in the book Black Hearts by Jim Frederick, was pleased with how the program was organized and felt it directly reflected who GRC is as a school.

“I think it speaks volumes about not only the leaders in the GRC high school but also the students,” said Lieutenant Umbrell. “They just went a really long way in demonstrating that our nation is in good hands with whatever they go out and do.”

After the program veterans and family were invited to a luncheon provided by GRC to further show our gratitude.

Veteran Steven Mumford, who served in the U.S. Navy for a little more than four years, said the program “brought out a little pride.” 

The chance to come together and recognize the veterans for their bravery and sacrifice is an honor that will be continued for years to come.

“It was very inspiring to see a school of this caliber treating veterans the way they did,” said Lieutenant Umbrell.

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