[ot-caption title=”Pine Crest commemorated the sacrifices made by U.S. veterans at the recent Veterans Day Assembly. (via Sarah Gale, Junior)” url=”https://pcpawprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fvd.jpg”]

President Wilson announced, on November 11, 1919, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

This proclamation sparked the long-standing tradition of the tribute, honor, and remembrance of Armistice Day, and the valor and nobility of those who served the United States of America. Britain, France Australia, and Canada all take the time on or around the date of November 11^th to memorialize the veterans of World War I and World War II in their own historically significant way.  Although the celebration to honor veterans is observed globally, on November 11th, Pine Crest had its own, commemorative tribute to the United States veterans on its very own campus.  Pine Crest had fabulous tributes to the brave veterans, including patriotic songs sung by the Pine Crest chorus, a school-wide recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and two, wonderful speeches from United States veterans themselves.

Coach Fitzgerald has been a member of the Pine Crest community for nineteen years.  As the director of the swim program, he has been named Broward County Coach of the Year thirteen times and was also inducted into the Broward County Sport Hall of Fame.  He is a role model for students and colleagues as he proudly served in the army for four years. He fought in  Vietnam for a year and a half as a First Lieutenant.  His powerful advice and words inspired Pine Crest students as he declared, “The only way it [the United States] is going to continue on that path of greatness is for young men and women like you to continue to support it, lead it, and guide it to the future”.

Staff Sergeant Suarez says that his Brazilian background allows him to fully understand the value of living in the United States.  He emphasized that in order for the country to thrive, today’s youth must give back in any way possible when he said, “I know what a blessing it is to be an American…whether you want to do it at a federal level being a soldier or you want to do it at your community level being a state senator, do something, give back, because this is the greatest country in the world.”

Veterans Day is an annually observed tradition that preserves not only historical importance, but also the memory of the bravery of United States veterans for their devotion, sacrifice, and courage in supporting and fighting for their country.

Sources: The History Channel, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs