By Robin Koppen
JCPS Communication Specialist
SMITHFIELD – Johnston County Public Schools held its 19th Annual Veterans Day Celebration at Smithfield-Selma High School (SSS) on Friday, November 10, 2023.
As active and retired veterans, and their families arrived, they were greeted by American flags lining the entrance to the school, which were placed by the Johnston Central Rotary Club.
Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadets, and members of the community, also welcomed the veterans as they made their way to the gymnasium for a celebration befitting those who made the commitment to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
The JCPS All-County Band and All-County Chorus performed traditional patriotic pieces, the song of each armed forces division, and echo taps honoring missing Prisoners of War.
Once the presentation was over, veterans were invited to the cafeteria where they were served a Thanksgiving style meal. JCPS students and staff served several hundred meals to the Johnston County veterans and their families.
This year’s event was the first full scale celebration to be held since 2019. The COVID pandemic forced 2020 and 2021’s events to be held virtually, and last year Hurricane Nicole forced the event to be rescheduled.
Johnston County Director of Veterans Services Robert Boyette is always instrumental in planning the event. “I am honored to have served with and for, the greatest men and women of the United States and Johnston County. Johnston County is blessed to have over 14,000 veterans and hundreds of active duty service members as citizens”, said Boyette.
Mr. Boyette has worked closely with JCPS to host the event for many years and according to him, the service serves one key purpose. “Veterans Day is an opportunity to pay homage to all of our veterans for their service, remembering that we are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice,” concluded Boyette.
United States Army Retired First Sergeant Vertis Richardson was the guest speaker. Richardson is a Johnston County native, a 1994 graduate of Smithfield-Selma High School. A 20-year veteran, Richardson had an illustrious career with the Army, and retired as a highly decorated officer.
Richardson addressed the crowd with a very inspiring message of patriotism and servanthood. For our many cadets, students, and youth in attendance it was a message that provides the necessary reminder for the next generation that the freedoms we enjoy today were provided by many people who placed it all on the line. It was a message that reminded us all that our valiant veterans are worthy of honor.
“This is a very special program to many people, including myself. To witness the teary-eyed responses of our uniformed veteran heroes while being honored is the most heart touching sight,” said Sarah Fawn McLamb, JCPS K-12 Fine Arts Teaching and Learning Specialist, who also serves as the program’s logistical lead. McLamb is not alone in this thought, “Our veterans deserve the recognition and the honor, and so much more!”
