Zoe Colbert

Local veterans are greeted by the senior class as they walk into the gymnasium for the assembly. Local veterans attend the assembly every year to be recognized for their service. “It’s always nice when someone thanks you for doing really important things,” said Homefront Club advisor and Civics teacher Trevor Duval.

On Thursday, Nov. 7, Hollis Brookline High School held its annual Veterans Day Assembly, where the school recognized the important sacrifices many veterans made for our country.

The assembly included speeches from Maggie Noble ‘25, Gaby Spear ‘25 and community veterans. Speeches included the importance of Veterans Day and highlighted the service of a handful of local veterans who attended the assembly.

The school’s Homefront Club contributes to the assembly by making sure that the veterans felt comfortable and welcome during their time at the school. “Homefront was created years ago by students who wanted to do just that, and so our part of the assembly is helping them feel welcome, and trying to get more students to feel comfortable talking to our veterans, saying hi and thank you for your service. It does mean a lot to them when students say these things,” said Homefront Club advisor and Civics teacher Trevor Duval. 

The assembly also has a large impact on students’ recognition of Veterans Day and the sacrifices veterans make for their country. “I have learned that the veterans love protecting their country and do so with pride and they do it for all of us. I’ve learned to respect the veterans more and more for all they have done for our country and the sacrifices they make,” said Adrienne Rosenblatt ‘25.

While the Veterans Day assembly may not have an equal impact on all of the attending students, it is important to recognize those who are impacted by family serving. “For some, maybe it doesn’t resonate as much, but you never know who’s in that stance,” said Duval.

The school assembly provided an opportunity for students to learn about the sacrifices veterans make, and allow them to be recognized for their service. “I think it just shows recognition, and it definitely tries to strengthen the connection between the younger generations and the veterans,” said Homefront Club vice president and student body president Maggie Noble.

The assembly introduces students to veterans and provides examples of the sacrifices veterans have made. Seeing the veterans and hearing stories from them and their families helps form connections to the veterans, and fully grasp the importance of their service.“The assembly reminds the community to appreciate what we have and appreciate the people who work for and protect our freedoms. It brings people together for our country,” said Rosenblatt.

Veterans Day has a unique importance for every individual, but at the end of the day, it highlights the important sacrifices veterans have made that allow us to have the freedoms we do. “So many people give to the communities in so many different ways, but the men and women who serve in the military give so much more, some of them are literally willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of our nation,” said Duval.