Revere High School hosted its 15th annual Veterans Day brunch and assembly to honor Bath and Richfield veterans and all who have served in the United States armed forces.

Veterans Day, November 11th, differs from Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, as Veterans Day celebrates all veterans who have served in the United States armed forces rather than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and died for US freedoms.

RHS Intervention Specialist Jack Cooper has coordinated the program for 18 years. He elaborated on how he contacts veterans to invite them to the event each year.

“We have developed a list of community members who have served, and we talk to the American Legion, VFW… and community organizations. It’s always advertised in the Richfield Times and the Bath Country Journal, but the [most effective advertisement] is probably word-of-mouth because people [who] have come and enjoyed [the program] have told their friends,” Cooper said.

RHS principal Phil King explained the course of events once the students, faculty and veterans were seated in the gymnasium for the assembly portion of the event.

“We [had] a very memorable service that [allowed] our students to understand that we need to respect those [who] have served our country. There [was] music provided by the choir, and there [were] speeches,” King said.

This year, however, Michael Paxton, a retired Company Commander of a Tactical Psychological Operations (PSYOP) unit, offered to speak at the assembly. Paxton intended to share his experiences with RHS students and faculty while encouraging and honoring veterans like himself; he retired as a Major after 23 years of service in the Army.

“I think it is my responsibility as a veteran to honor my fellow veterans and ensure that citizens understand how great the sacrifices of our veterans and their families are,” Paxton said.

Cooper shared his opinion about Paxton’s willingness to speak at RHS.

“[Paxton] served in the United States Army in the Middle East… so I think he’ll [ have had] a lot of interesting things to share with [the audience] this year,” Cooper said.

Paxton explained that his presentation encompassed his experiences and career in the Army, as he served in Ohio; Fort Bragg, NC; Saudi Arabia; and Iraq.

“My presentation [highlighted] my career and experiences in the Army, and how [veterans’] experiences [have] changed our lives and the lives of our families,” Paxton said.

Jeff Fry, social studies teacher at RHS, explained how he volunteered during the assembly.

“I read about the Prisoners of War Missing in Action. It [was] a solemn reading… and [I think] the veterans really [respected] that,” Fry said.

After the assembly, an informal meet-and-greet took place in the gymnasium, and students and faculty had the opportunity to talk to veterans and thank them for their service. Fry explained that he promotes this with his students so that they can honor those who have served.

“I promote Veterans Day with my students… I try to get [them] to stay after the assembly, to meet with veterans, and [to] talk with them… Students and adults need to be knowledgeable, cognizant, and respectful of our veterans,” Fry said.

RHS technology education teacher Joseph Silvestri joined the military in 1992 and served in the US Navy as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate. He explained why he believes that it is important for students to be attentive at the assembly.

“I think it’s important for [students] to see all [the] people who have served for our country. It truly is one of the best ways in which [one] can give back to [his or her] country,” Silvestri said.

Robert Krisch, a science teacher at RHS, joined the US Army National Guard in February, 2003 as a combat medic. He served actively in the National Guard for six and a half years and served for two years in the US Army Inactive Ready Reserve. Krisch described why he enjoyed the assembly.

“I [loved] to hear other veterans’ stories, and the student body [saw] that people have served and given a lot for the way that we live in this country… It’s good to understand that there’s a heavy price to the way of life that [US citizens] enjoy,” Krisch said.

King explained how the Veterans Day event at RHS benefits the school and community.

“Our students understand that there are [people who] sacrificed a lot for our freedom . . . It’s a great event for the community because here we are as a school, showing that we celebrate our veterans, and . . . it sends out a great message that we at Revere [are] supportive of those veterans [who] have served our country,” King said.