Dixon High School students, staff and community members gathered in the school gym from 11:14 to 11:55 a.m. on Nov. 7 for the school’s annual Veterans Day Program. The event included games, presentations and a patriotic spirit. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon High School students, staff and community members gathered in the school gym from 11:14 to 11:55 a.m. on Nov. 7 for the school’s annual Veterans Day Program, recognizing those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

As students entered, the Dixon High School band played patriotic music, leading them into the gym where members of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8151, community guests and the student body assembled for the ceremony. A “Wall of Honor” displaying photos of students’ family members who have served lined one side of the gym.

The event opened with a moment of silence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the presentation of the colors.

Principal Angela Brown, herself a veteran, said the annual assembly is a meaningful opportunity for the school community to show gratitude.

“As a veteran, being part of an annual Veterans Rally holds a special place in my heart,” said Brown. “It’s a time to stand together, students, staff and community, to honor those who served and to remind us all that freedom is not free. Each year, this gathering keeps the spirit of gratitude and service alive.”

The program featured interactive games among students and teachers, with each team representing a different branch of the military. In the first game, competitors carried red, white, blue and green balloons from one side of the gym to the other without dropping or popping them. The blue team took the win.

Another game, “Land, Sea and Air,” tested players’ reflexes and listening skills. Similar to “Simon Says,” participants stood on the floor for “land,” jumped over a white line for “sea,” and jumped in place for “air.” About 20 to 30 students were selected at random to compete, as classmates cheered them on.

Air Force veteran and VFW member Jessica Peris, who served six years, said programs like this one help students understand the meaning of service and sacrifice.

“Honoring our veterans is about more than a single day of recognition,” said Peris. “It’s about reminding our kids what service, sacrifice and commitment to something greater than yourself really means… As a military family, I've seen firsthand the quiet strength it takes to serve; not just for those in uniform, but for the families who stand behind them...kids just like those in attendance today. When schools host ceremonies like this, it keeps that sense of gratitude alive in the next generation.”

 Around 20-30 Dixon High School students competed in a game called “Land, Sea and Air,” which tested players’ reflexes and listening skills. Similar to “Simon Says,” participants stood on the floor for “land,” jumped over a white line for “sea,” and jumped in place for “air.” Photo by Nicolas Brown

Sophomore Patrick Wentworth said the program allowed him to reflect on his own family’s military history.

“I salute to honor those who have fallen and to honor my family’s legacy,” said Wentworth. “My grandpa and father were Navy. Because they fought for our country, I want to honor their service and influence.”

The event concluded with veterans in attendance being asked to stand as members of the school’s Leadership Club distributed goodie bags in appreciation. Students and staff applauded as the gym rose to thank the veterans for their service.

The free event was open to students and community members alike. Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8151 were also in attendance, including Jessica Peris (Second to left). Photo by Nicolas Brown

Community recognition for veterans continued beyond campus. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Mountain Mike’s Pizza at 1700 N. First St. hosted an all-day Dine & Donate fundraiser benefiting Dixon High School programs. In addition, Boy Scout Troop 152, Cub Scout Pack 253 and local families gathered at Silveyville Cemetery from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 to place flags on veterans’ graves, with flag retrieval scheduled for Nov. 12 at 4 p.m.

The morning’s program served as a reminder of the community’s shared gratitude, uniting Dixon High School students, staff and residents in honoring those who have dedicated their lives to service.