Not all veterans fly planes or fight overseas, “but those people are veterans too, so whether you were in the military … whether you were in the war or not, whether you fueled planes or flew them, thank you for your service,” said Katarina Reitz, a Powell High School sophomore, Nov. 9 during Powell High’s Veterans Day Assembly.

Reitz read from “A wrinkled shirt, glasses and my dad,” which she had earlier written. Reitz’s father served in the Air Force but could not fly planes because of his eyesight — so he fueled them, and he would have gone into battle if he was asked, she said.

Several hours later at Powell Middle School students led by art teacher Jane Woods planted flags and unrolled and waved the American flag during their own assembly. Both Powell High and Powell Middle’s presentations included music performed by the school’s band and choir led by John Fabela and Rachel Schoessler.

“Whether it’s peacetime or war veterans often get to see first hand and just learn from their experiences otherwise, what life would be like without the freedoms that we enjoy here today,” said retired Chief Master Sgt. Geoff Weimer. “It molds our purpose and it compels many of us to serve longer than we would have expected to otherwise. It reinforces our dependence and reminds us that our sacrifices and those of our families prevent the same things from happening here.”

Weimer served 29 years in the United States Air Force. In 1988 Weimer was involved in Operation Just Cause which led to the capture of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. 

Retired Army Lt. Col. Todd Johnson read “What is a Veteran?” written by Father Dennis Edward O’Brien. 

“He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being — a person who offered some of his life’s most vital years in the service of his country,” Johnson recited.

All most veterans need are the two simple words, ‘thank you,’ he said, adding, “It will mean more than any medal or any meal which could have been given or awarded.”

Later, the honor guard led students and community members outside of the school for the first time in years thanks to some nice weather. Honor guard member Scott Bucher took part in the salute while his son, Powell High senior Joe Bucher, lended a hand musically.

At the end veterans talked with each other and audience members. Each conversation ended similarly, “Thank you for your service.”