Discovery honors soldiers during ‘Day of the Deployed’

Discovery Middle School remembered the sacrifices of men and women in uniform during the “Day of the Deployed” ceremony on Oct. 26.

Across the country since 2006, groups have celebrated Day of the Deployed on Oct. 26 to engender patriotism and remember the military personnel who preserve American freedom.

Anthony Graham, math teacher and RUFF (Ready yoUrself For the Future) sponsor, and Discovery band director Lewis Murray organized the event. RUFF boys assisted with the ceremony.

“Day of the Deployed is a day to honor the many selfless actions demanded of military members and their loved ones across the globe and serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice being made in homes across America every day,” Graham said.

Graham estimates that 100 Discovery students have a parent deployed in military service. “Every deployment reflects deep commitment of not only the deploying member but of many friends and loved ones who are left behind to aid in answering our nations call,” he said.

Graham described these individuals as “selfless men, women and children who are called upon to set aside their personal comfort and convenience to support the heroes they call mom, dad, father, mother, brother, sister or friend.”

“To my knowledge, this is the first time that Day of the Deployed has happened at Discovery,” Graham said.

Guest speakers Sgt. Andrew Rickabaugh, Maj. Robert Brown and Maj. J.T. Taylor explained the effect of deployment on the entire family.

Discovery eighth-graders who currently have deployed family members presented a wreath “to the entire school to show our appreciation for families and soldiers deployed,” Graham said.

The Discovery Symphonic Band performed “The National Anthem,” arranger Henry Carey’s “America” and Larry Kerchner’s “Salute to the Promised Land.” “Echo Taps was played by Mr. Ian Rigby and Mr. John Schumacher of the Discovery Symphonic Band,” Murray said.

During the ceremony, many Discovery students were quite emotional. “Tears filled some classrooms after the assembly. It was really moving for the Discovery students,” Graham said.