The assembly started with a captivating speech from Sean Sakaguchi, a national qualifier for speech and debate. Sakaguchi’s speech showed much respect and admiration for the veterans of our country. “It’s about how we treat our veterans every day of the year,” Sakaguchi included in his speech.
Tigard’s Concert Band and Concert Choir did an outstanding performance of America the Beautiful, however the show-stealer was Norm Clark, a World War II veteran.
Clark, a Marine, shared the memory, “I thought I was gonna die.” The Korean War was in the 1950’s, and after serving in the war, his combat career ended. Although Clark is no longer an active Marine, he will always be a Marine in his heart. “The grave doesn’t get you out of the Marine Corps, you’re in the Marine Corp for eternity,” the veteran said, closing his speech.
30 veterans, representing each branch of the armed forces, remained seated, and each of their names were then called. As a sign of respect, students stood, clapping for every name called. Each veteran was given a red rose from Julia Brown, freshman ASB. One of the veterans included Chuck Laiti, Tigard’s very own digital photography and computer graphics teacher.
A touching poem about a daughter missing her father off at war was recited by Isaac Schimmels, senior. At this point in the assembly, multiple students were choked up.
Closing the assembly was Yarnell, with an eye opening speech. Yarnell asked students to stand up when a listed situation related to them, such as having a family member or friend in the armed forces. By the end of this, almost all students were standing. “War has affected every one of us in this room. None of us are alone…. We are a family here, never forget that,” Yarnell said.