On Veterans Day, Pleasant Hills Middle School welcomed more than 100 Veterans for the annual Tribute to the Troops. The Heroes who spent the morning at the middle school are family members, friends, and neighbors of current students.

The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Student Council Vice President Mycah McCabe and the singing of the National Anthem by the eighth grade choir. Later in the program, Student Council President Giuliana Ziegler recited a poem entitled, “I Am a Veteran.” The 8th Grade Orchestra also performed before and during the program.

West Jefferson Hills School District Superintendent Dr. Janet Sardon led the Veteran Roll Call, in which the names and branches of the military of each Veteran in attendance were announced. The roll call ended with a showing of gratitude and appreciation from those in attendance in the middle school cafeteria. The ceremony was broadcast live to all classrooms in the middle school.

This year’s keynote speakers were E6 Tech Sergeant, Retired Brian Finnerty and Lieutenant Colonel Kim Finnerty who touched on the history, meaning, and importance of Veterans Day. 

E6 Tech Sergeant, Retired Brian Finnerty served for 24 years in the Air Force Reserves and currently serves as the Chief of Pleasant Hills Police. 

“The military has taught me service before self, which is a core value to the United States Air Force,” he said. “It means military duties take precedence over personal desires. This can be applied to many situations including putting the needs of others before your own, aligning your personal goals with the goals of a team or organization, and sacrificing your personal desires for the benefit of the team.”

Lt. Colonel Kim Finnerty, who currently serves as the President of the West Jefferson Hills School Board, spoke of her experience both in the military and at home when a spouse is serving in the military. She said the sacrifice of those at home makes the service of those away from home possible. 

Lt. Colonel Kim Finnerty also told the students about the significance of the American Flag and the sacrifice of Veterans who worked to ensure the country could continue to enjoy freedom.

“These freedoms are bestowed upon us because there are people out there who won hard-fought battles. Sacrifices were made, and lives were given,” she said. “Our Veterans are the embodiment of service, sacrifice, and they are guardians of our freedom. They’ve answered the call – and a call not to comfort, but to duty. They have left behind a familiarity of home and the embrace of loved ones just to stay on the front lines, to face danger and uncertainty, and to defend the ideals of the Flag.”

She finished her remarks urging everyone to honor Veterans through service.

“Let us recommit ourselves to upholding the values they defended, to cherishing the freedoms they secured, and to ensuring their service will never be forgotten. We let our gratitude not just be words, but actions. Support the families, advocate always for their well-being, and strive to live the ideals that are so greatly defended.”

The morning’s event ended with a Warrior Walk, with all PHMS students, faculty, and staff gathered around the flagpole cheering for the Veterans as they left the school.