Jonathan Fisher

The veterans we honor are some of the same who walked our halls; they demonstrate all that we have the possibility to be.

When I sat in the bleachers on Friday, I realized the true sacrifice that had been so graciously given for students like myself.

Veterans Day, on Nov. 11, is an honorary time for FHC. To the millions who fought for our country, this day is not only characterized by simply saying thank you, but also a time to acknowledge and give back to the community that our veterans so bravely fought for. It’s a day to remember those who have seen things that many of us are graced with never having to imagine.

FHC principal Jonathan Haga feels the need to recognize just how much these veterans have allowed us to have.

“It’s important that we honor the veterans,” Haga said. “There are a lot of amazing things that we have here at [FHC], in Ada, in Grand Rapids, in Michigan, and in the United States that are only because of the service and sacrifice that our veterans have [given]. And so it’s important that [at least] once a year, we take a step back and we think about everything that veterans have done for us [in order to be] able to do what we want to do [like the] right to be able to play Friday night football, to be able to swim in a pool, to perform in fine arts, to have free and public education.”

The Veterans Day assembly at FHC is a highlight of the week, well known for its extravagant features. With a bagpipe procession and attendants from all across Forest Hills, it’s one of the most memorable assemblies of the entire year. Besides the physical aspects, the deeper-rooted reason to honor these veterans holds its own significance.

Such a great thing cannot be created without reference in mind; its inspiration stems from one lunch seven years ago. Brad Anderson, a teacher of Advanced Placement (AP) World History at FHC, was an attendee at this Veterans Day event. This small moment led to the eventual tradition of the assembly we hear mass amounts of today. 

“I attended a Thanksgiving armed forces lunch with a group of students,” Anderson said. “It was a huge event downtown with a bagpipe procession, and we ate lunch with various business leaders and veterans from around the community. The idea behind it was to inspire schools in the area. [It was] to take that same spirit of recognition and of honoring veterans back to the schools and come up with something [to show that].”

For the freshman class at FHC, this event is not yet familiar. Since the assembly was not implemented at the middle school, it’s a blur of anticipation and not knowing what comes next for lots of students. To be able to be just one small part in this assembly is an honor, as it truly shows how connected our school can become for one purpose.

Haga believes that our school getting together in this way is beneficial to its overall running. It’s important for every grade, every staff member, and every person. It shows that we practice all that we preach for students to achieve.

“For the freshmen that have never done it, it’s quite the feat,” Haga said. “We have a Veterans Day breakfast, and all of our clubs do something. Every single student is there honoring these veterans. I think it represents our school showcasing the compassion, the care, the empathy, the understanding, and the service that we hope that all of our students come here with, but definitely leave here with.”

This impact created by the assembly doesn’t come without hard work from behind the scenes. Anderson, a large contributor to making sure everything runs smoothly, has his work carved out for him from the start of the week to the very end. It’s necessary to recognize that there are so many people who aren’t in the spotlight, who allow us to have this opportunity to honor our veterans.

“[I, along with the help of others, set up] a missing man table,” Anderson said. “I meet with [AP US history teacher Trevor Riley] and Mr. Haga to go over the speeches [for the assembly]. I’ve [also gotten] to connect with the different dignitaries, like our speaker this year, Russ Papke, who was a 2000 graduate [from FHC]. [My job is to] connect with the various speakers and students to do what they need to do.”

Another goal we strive to achieve is to support those who haven’t received all that they should. Noelle Gillies, a teacher at Central Woodlands, has a son who served in the Marine Corps for four years. The time during that was one marked with plenty of hardships and homesickness. When people serve, it affects not only them but the people around them. Families are forced to be apart from each other because of an unpredictable occupation. That’s something that we as a community don’t witness: the struggle families as a whole go through behind the scenes.

“Veterans go through so much more than people realize,” Gillies said. “I wish there was more support for him and for me [when he was serving].”

The Veterans Day assembly is an incredibly vital part of FHC’s schedule. It’s more than just a time for students to miss class; it’s an event to honor those who have fought and to respect the people who orchestrated such an amazing occasion. Anderson, along with others, put so much effort into making everything fall exactly into place in order for us to do our part as well.

“It’s your personal opportunity to take 45 minutes out of your year to reflect on the freedoms that are protected by the people who wear a uniform,” Anderson said.