They get it...

I was sitting in Tim Brunson's office in the high school first thing Thursday morning. As we were talking, I noticed members of the high school Student Government Organization (SGO) working with the custodians and Concert Band members to set up an activity in the circle in front of the High School. I learned that the SGO was preparing the annual Veterans Day Ceremony.  I wasn't sure if I had time to stay for it.  I had to run home and I knew I was cutting it close to make it to the Ed. Council meeting down at Hostetter. I ran home and returned to town as fast as I could. As I sat at the light at Lakehill and 50, I debated turning right and getting down to my office and to the meeting on time. However, amidst a week filled with elections and national politics, and a day ahead filled with meetings and paperwork, something told me to go back to the high school and attend the ceremony. I am so glad I did.

It was a simple ceremony. As I walked up to the circle, the band had just begun playing. The notes of America the Beautiful were blown throughout the otherwise silent circle by a chilly breeze. They disappeared up into a stark November sky. Seated in the middle of the circle, near the monument, were about 30 veterans from our school and community.  Judging from their uniforms, patches, and badges, I could see that they represented most of the branches and all of the various wars and conflicts back to and including WWII.  Standing silently two or three deep around the outside of the circle were about 200 members of our senior class.

There was a bit of grassy distance between the students and the veterans- and that distance seemed appropriate... Maybe it was the feeling that the kids were forming a large circle of support...?  Or maybe it was more the image of their respect and admiration for what these men and women represented, a sense of not daring to come too close to a group of individuals whose bravery and willingness to serve others represent the best in all of us...?  In either case, that feeling of support and respect was reinforced as we pledged the Flag, listened to our National Anthem, and reflected on what our veterans have done for us.  Every last student listened attentively as the ceremony- entirely run by the SGO Officers- concluded with a list of the names of our veterans and the details of their enlistment.

And then came the part that I wasn't expecting... as the final song was playing, the seniors broke rank, stepped out of the circle, and began to file across the grass to shake hands and thank the veterans. There was something about this that really affected me.  This is our future generation setting an example.  They get it. Still with one foot in the carefree world of being a kid, the other foot is stepping out into the beginning their own adult lives. As they walked across the grass to greet the veterans... and as the vets rose (or moved their wheelchairs forward) to meet them- I had a profound feeling that this whole scene was just... just right...just the kind of thing a school ought to be doing.

Thanks to the Veterans for your service, and for attending. You continue to give an invaluable gift to our kids. Thanks to Renee Tolan, Todd Bucci, Maryellen Symer, and the SGO officers for organizing this opportunity. Thanks to Peter Giroux and the Concert Band for the great music. Thanks to Brad Thomas for broadcasting and getting the ceremony out to the rest of the school.

Finally, thanks to the Senior Class for inspiring me on Thursday. We have just come through an intense election. Like many people, I have followed politics closely these last few months.  We see cynicism, negativity and division on all sides at the national level. We know there are budget concerns and frustrations that affect all of us at the state level.... But here at the local level- here at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School-  we saw things the way they should be. In a simple way, you showed class, respect, and a depth of understanding that spoke volumes on a quiet November morning. You made those men and women who have served our country feel appreciated and welcomed. Thank you for that. I'm proud to be a Spartan.