Humberto Maza proudly stands with his family and recruiters after being officially inducted into the Army National Guard.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The spirit of patriotism lives on at Dixon High School as they celebrated Veterans Day with a rally.

Starting at 11:14 a.m. Nov. 8, the Friday before Veterans Day, Dixonites entered the Dixon High School gym to witness the elaborate program the school had prepared.

The public was met with red, white and blue regalia, including star-shaped balloons, colored ribbons, Army National Guard banners, and, of course, American flags. There was a festive air as students piled into the gymnasium, joining military personnel, proud parents and teachers.

The event began with Dixon High School Principal and veteran Angela Brown giving a brief introduction before presenting Dixon High School student Cristian Mata. Mata entertained the crowd with his rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” on electric guitar as Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1851 presented the colors and saluted the young man's powerful performance.

Sgt. First Class Perez, a member of the Recruitment Retention Battalion in the Army National Guard, then addressed the student body about the significance of Veterans Day and the courage and commitment necessary to make such sacrifices.

Sgt. First Class Perez, a Recruitment Retention Battalion member, addresses the DHS student body.

“I think it is important to honor those that volunteer,” Perez said. “Everyone who wears this uniform chose to do this. Someone that takes the time to fight for our freedom should be honored.”

After Perez’s speech, Dixon High School senior Humberto Maza was sworn into the Army National Guard. His family joined him in the center of the gym as his peers cheered for the momentous occasion.

“I always wanted to serve my country and explore the possibilities,” Maza said when asked about his accomplishment. “I feel happy; I’m glad they’re spreading awareness of the branches. I feel like that’s overshadowed by college and educational programs.”

Pink and black armbands were then tossed into the crowd, each sporting the California Army National Guard logo and contact information; the student body, barely able to hold back their excitement, began the first of many rousing U.S.A. chants.

Msgt. Mackenzie then took to the stand to speak on honor, integrity and sacrifice. At 16, Mackenzie became the youngest person to ever join the Armed Forces as a musician, and his career took off from there. His time fighting for freedom taught him it takes a team to win, and a winning team needs supporters. Citizens outnumber soldiers by a wide margin and doing your part does not require one to put on a uniform and enlist.

A duo of teachers competes in the Army Games, the final act of the event.

Army Games, the penultimate activity, then began. This team-based relay race saw competitors, staff and students carry a series of weights from one side of the gym to the other. A group of Dixon High School football players ultimately took the prize but all teams put in great effort.

The ceremony ended with a heartfelt gesture. Principal Brown closed the day’s programming by asking the veterans in the room to stand and remain standing. As the student body cheered, each of them was gifted a goodie bag of treats.

Dixon High School’s Veterans Day rally brought attention to the resilience and discipline necessary to pursue such a life.

“By understanding their stories, we can carry them forward,” Perez said.