BEA annual Veterans Day celebration honors those who served

More than 195 guests and a school district full of students packed the gymnasium at Bald Eagle Area High School on Nov. 9 for the district’s annual Veterans Day celebration. In its sixth year, the event aimed to honor local veterans and members of the military for their service. It was also a way to help educate students about the importance of recognizing those who served.

The event began with a welcome speech from Principal Jack Tobias, along with a parade of colors from the American Legion of Clarence, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star-Spangled Banner performed by the symphonic band and a presidential proclamation read by student Madison Eckley. Two veterans were also winners of a fishing trip to Raystown Lake through Angry Musky Outfitters.

Catered by the food service department, a lunch was also held for veterans and a guest.

This year, Capt. Aaron Irvin was the guest speaker. Irvin, a Marine, graduated from BEA in 2003 and recently moved back to the area with his family.

“There is no other way you can thank a veteran for giving you the freedom that you have, than being a good person,” he said. “I challenge every one of you here to be of service to this county, and that means by being a good person starting at a young age.”