Senior Tyler Leigh shakes hands with Navy veteran Jack Webber (Photo courtesy of Huron Valley School district)
Through ” land, air, and sea” our veterans sacrificed their time, effort, and even lives to keep our country safe. At Milford High School, students want to recognize these veterans’ efforts, honoring their achievements by putting on an assembly each Veterans Day.
The goal of the event is to show these men and women the respect they deserve while reminding the student body the importance of what it means to courageously serve one’s country. This year, Huron Valley veterans showcased the military’s finest men and women serving in the Army, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, while Blue Star mom joined the assembly as well. Having a veterans assembly means a lot to the people who have served.
Former Alumni of Milford High School and Navy member Doug Morse reflected on coming back to his former high school.
“¨I have really enjoyed going to the Milford High School veterans assembly and seeing the interest that the kids have about what we did. It makes me feel cared about,” explained Morse. In the end, how Milford wants to honor the veterans who served by seeing smiles on their faces as they walk down to enter the auditorium. 
Students and veterans stand for the playing of the national anthem (Photo courtesy of Huron Valley School district)
Each veteran also receives a flower and thank you note from a Leadership student. Junior, Hudson Vargo’s father, served in the Air Force. “I know it means a lot to him just showing honor and respect to the men that have served in our country means a lot more than you would ever know,” Hudson stated. “For sure, the flowers and the thank you cards are my favorite part. Seeing that each veteran is valued is such a cool thing.”
Weeks before the Assembly, Milford High School Leadership began preparing and researching different branches of the military, writing thank you cards, buying flowers, and ordering catering for the veterans when they arrive.
Dave Gilbert receives an award from our veterans to the school (Photo courtesy of Huron Valley School district)
MHS Leadership Teacher Dave Gilbert has helped “organize” the Veterans Assembly for 15 years. “ I want to show my students how to respect and honor our veterans because back when I was a kid they were not shown the respect they all deserved,” Gilbert stated. “These men gave their ‘lives’ so that we could live freely in our country– that’s why we do our assembly to show our gratitude to these veterans.” Gilbert and his students take pride in making this day special and showing all the veterans how much they are appreciated.
For 15 years, this annual event has been an impactful celebration for Veterans, families, students, and administrators.
The importance of this event is not taken lightly and is one that Milford prioritizes in its school every year. This is a tradition that Milford will continue to carry through many more generations.