WAYNESBORO – The Waynesboro Area Senior High School marked Veterans Day this year by launching a significant new tradition: a comprehensive, experiential program held on Friday, Nov. 7. The day featured a formal ceremony followed by hands-on activities, all designed to ensure students gain a profound understanding of military service and sacrifice.
The highlight of the ceremony was a keynote address by 102-year-old WWII veteran Cpl. Jack Myers, who served in the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion. Cpl. Myers shared powerful firsthand accounts of his service, including his unit’s involvement in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp.
“We had to win that war; that’s all there is to it,” Cpl. Myers told the student body. He spoke movingly about his personal sacrifice: “I left my wife at home with a newborn baby. I didn’t want to do that. But I had to turn my anxiety into winning the war. After it was all over, I was glad I did what I did.”
Reflecting on the atrocities he witnessed, Cpl. Myers stressed the importance of their mission. Regarding the liberation of Dachau, he stated, “That was terrible to treat human beings, the way they were treated in those camps. Things like that made me feel like we were doing something we must do – we had to do.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from other distinguished speakers, including state Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin), who emphasized the importance of service and honoring veterans, and Waynesboro teacher Doug Lowery, a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. Col. Lowery encouraged students to persevere through challenges, stating, “Failure is going to happen, I guarantee it… You have to learn to accept it, pick yourself up, and keep trying. Never stop trying.” The opening ceremony also included special musical performances by the WASHS Band and Choir.
Following the formal program, students rotated through 26 breakout sessions led by teachers and veterans. These small-group, experiential activities provided direct learning opportunities, moving beyond traditional lectures. Activities included:
● Q&A sessions with service veterans, including a personal session with the World War II veteran.
● Interactive demonstrations involving Army equipment and vehicles.
● A “bootcamp” fitness challenge focused on teamwork.
● Service-learning opportunities such as planting victory gardens.
● Demonstrations by the American Legion Honor Guard.
● A cookie and card-making station to create care packages for local veterans in nursing homes.
“This is a long-overdue and necessary step for our high school,” said Daniel Shaffer, History Club advisor. “Our aim is to ensure Veterans Day is not just a day off, but a day of profound connection and respect. By putting students face-to-face with the men and women who served, we are instilling core values of citizenship and gratitude that will last long after they graduate.”
The goal is that every Waynesboro graduate remembers the true importance of Veterans Day and the sacrifices made for the nation.
