Momsen Sailors, Veterans Honored at Olympic View Middle School

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By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Kyle Steckler, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. NW

MULKILTEO, Wash. (NNS) -- More than 400 people gathered in the gym at Olympic View Middle School to honor Sailors from the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) and many other veterans in attendance, Nov. 10.

The assembly featured speeches by two retired U.S. Navy officers, as well as performances by Olympic View Middle School's band, choir and orchestra.

"Veterans' Day instills a great sense of pride in my country, that we have been able to maintain our status and that people are willing to volunteer to serve," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Danielle Rivers, one of four Momsen Sailors honored. "When I think of Veterans' Day, I think of other people, so to be asked to come here to be honored today means a lot to me."

Two guest speakers, retired Navy Capt. Rock Roth and retired Navy Cmdr. William Halsey, were asked to speak at the assembly. Halsey chose to highlight the history of Veterans' Day and its forbearer, Armistice Day.

"We really didn't want to focus on war and the killing and death that comes with it", said Halsey. "Instead, we wanted to bring a sense of reflection, remembrance and sacrifice to the students in an attempt to draw them in to what this day is all about."

Cheryl Howe, Olympic View Middle School's parent liaison, said that the school has hosted a Veterans' Day event every year since she started working in the school district.

"Veterans' Day and these assemblies really mean a lot to me because I've had several relatives and friends serve in the military," said Howe. "It really gives the students a chance to see what Veterans' Day is about face-to-face."

Halsey said he hopes one of the things that students take away from the assembly is a sense of the sacrifices military members and their families make every day.

"So many of our youth either don't love history or don't ever get history put into context," said Halsey. "Hopefully today the students take away a little about what we spoke about, about why exactly the poresident goes to Arlington Cemetery and lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans' Day, and that they are taking time to recognize the sacrifices our service members have made."