Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy celebrates veterans with special assembly

While most students spent Veterans Day away from school, students at Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy gathered for a special assembly. 

"We're open today so that we can do this," said Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy history teacher and event organizer Ralph K. Ginorio. "Our students get a chance to show their respect, and the veterans and their families who come get a chance to be in a friendly environment."

Students heard remarks from American Legion Post 143 members Tim Shaw and Daniel Sweet and thanked them for their service.

The school's band and choir performed a patriotic medley in honor of the visiting veterans before students heard from Shaw and Sweet. Both veterans delivered the same presentation. Sweet spoke to middle school students, while Shaw addressed high school students.

The veterans spoke about the four pillars of the American Legion: veterans affairs and rehabilitation, national security, civic responsibility and youth education and development. They encouraged students to reflect on the meaning of Veterans Day and the values of service and sacrifice.

"Veterans Day is not about glorifying war," Shaw and Sweet said. "It's about recognizing the people who stepped forward when their country needed them."

Although many students will never serve in the military, Shaw and Sweet encouraged them to embrace a spirit of service by helping others in their community.

"You don't have to wear a uniform to serve," they said. "Service is simply helping others when you don't have to."

Shaw and Sweet challenged students to find a way to serve their community this week by volunteering, helping someone or showing kindness. They emphasized that each student has a role in shaping the future of the country and encouraged them to exemplify respect, responsibility and teamwork.

"The future of our nation is not sitting in Washington, D.C. It is right here in this room," they said.

At the end of the assembly, students approached Shaw and Sweet to shake their hands. One by one, they thanked them for their service.

"It's always a great reminder to think about the sacrifices those who came before me made and why we're celebrating today," said Taylor Smith, a senior.

Both Smith and his classmate, Torinn Smith, said the assembly helped them appreciate the sacrifices veterans have made. Both said they have veterans in their families and respect the roles they served in.

"Everything we do today, and every privilege we have, comes from the sacrifice and work others have done for us," Torinn Smith said.

    Daniel Sweet speaks to Cd'A Charter Academy students at the Veterans Day assembly.