Robert K. Shafer eighth-graders honored local veterans during a special Veterans Day assembly
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Earlier this month, the eighth-graders at Robert K. Shafer learned about pride and honor from those who know it best. In a special assembly held on Nov 9 at the Bensalem middle school, three local veterans provided a glimpse into military life. As they touched on everything from the American flag, a symbol of our freedom, to memories of fellow soldiers, the students embarked on their long weekend a little wiser about the true meaning of Veterans Day.
The assembly opened with a presentation of the American flag by the Bensalem High School JROTC and the national anthem sung by the eighth-grade chorus. The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited in unison by the crowd, which included students, faculty, local veterans and officials, including state Rep. Gene DiGirolamo.
First to take the microphone was Joseph Trucks, a Korean War veteran who spoke about the importance of the national holiday. His dedication to protecting his country began as soon as he was legally able without a parent’s consent, and he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on his 18th birthday. He serves on the Bensalem Veterans Affairs Advisory Board.
Trucks brought the students’ attention to the Pledge of Allegiance. They had just said the words moments prior, hands placed over their hearts, but how many truly understood the meaning behind it? Trucks provided a breakdown, explaining how the Pledge is a promise to honor the country and the freedoms it provides.
“It’s to give your undivided attention to the flag,” he said. “It’s a symbol of the USA’s individual territories formed into one group.”
He spoke about how this united group is a community of all nationalities, races and religions with a common bond that’s incapable of being divided. Referring back to the Pledge, it’s “indivisible.”
As for “liberty and justice for all,” Trucks talked about the freedoms every citizen enjoys, especially the right to vote and choose elected officials.
“You’ll be treated the same as I,” he said.
With Veterans Day right around the corner, Trucks encouraged the onlooking students to go up to a veteran and say “thank you for your service.” According to him, veterans aren’t hard to spot, and can usually be seen saluting in the presence of an American flag. Whether they served five or 50 years ago, they’ll always have a commitment to honor that symbol. Reflecting on a visit he made to the Delaware Valley Veterans Home, he witnessed one wheelchair-bound man force himself to stand, as painful as it was, to salute.
Next, the students got to hear from one of their teachers, Brian Bostic, who was in the Navy for six years. Growing up, the lifelong Bensalem resident never saw himself enlisting in the military. That is, until he discovered three of his grandfathers fought in WWII. He quickly became drawn to the idea, and felt an unexplainable electricity after visiting their graves. Despite his father being strongly against it, Bostic joined the Navy in 1978, with his sister and brother following suit in the Navy and Air Force, respectively.
Every day, Bostic was surrounded by heroes. He reflected on one instance when a comrade accidentally fell between two ships. Though they were in the middle of the ocean during the pitch black of night, another immediately dove down to rescue him.
“It was a brotherhood,” he said.
In just a few short years, Bostic traveled to 23 countries, joined the Sonar Attack Team and even received a Good Conduct Medal. He didn’t have to suffer in combat, but Bostic still kissed the concrete pier when he returned to the states.
“Freedoms we do have here, many do not,” he said.
Lastly, Shafer instructional assistant Harold Piper spoke about his experience in the Army and National Guard. The students, who included Piper’s grandson, listened with rapt attention as he discussed how the military shaped his character, giving him a sense of honor and pride he wouldn’t have otherwise had.
Like Bostic, he served during peacetime, but still received extensive combat training just in case. Piper explained how he traded in the comforts of home for chilling winds and rain, but did so willingly to serve the country and left the experience a better man than before.
“We do whatever’s necessary to accomplish the military’s mission,” he said. “We have a job to do and we’ll do the job with joy.”
Afterward, a touching slide presentation set to the music of “I’m Proud To Be An American” showed family members of Shafer students and staff who have served in the armed forces.
The program concluded with principal Michael Stock thanking American history teacher Melissa Franklin, who helped coordinate the event.
“This is by far the greatest assembly we’ll have this year,” he said. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
