Rocky schools come together to salute local veterans

Students from Rocky Mountain Elementary School, middle school and high school came together Tuesday afternoon for a heartfelt Veterans Day assembly honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The event, organized by the senior class and led by class president Lauren Bassett, brought together students, staff and several local veterans and their families for a morning of reflection and gratitude.

The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by the American Legion honor guard, with Jim Thomas serving as the voice of the ceremony.

The program featured several patriotic musical performances by the elementary students, directed by Cari May, who is currently filling in for Mandie Asay, along with the middle and high school choirs and bands under the direction of Gerry Burton.

Dawson May and Boston Stebner both appeared on video to talk about their current service in the military and how much they have learned from the experience. Both May and Stebner also spoke about the deep appreciation for veterans they have gained through their own service.

The Rocky Mountain High School podcast class also debuted one of its first episodes, featuring Lily George and Ella Pierce discussing Veterans Day and what it means to them.

Keynote speaker

The keynote address was delivered by Captain Mark Hyde, a school counselor at Green River High School and chaplain for the 141st Military Intelligence Battalion with the Army National Guard. A 2007 graduate of Lovell High School, Hyde earned a bachelor’s degree in history education and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Wyoming. He later completed a Master of Divinity from Amridge University.

In addition to his counseling and chaplaincy work, Captain Hyde also coaches middle school football and high school softball, where he emphasizes leadership, character and teamwork among his athletes.

Importance of a chaplain

During his remarks, Captain Hyde spoke about the unique role of a military chaplain, emphasizing that their value extends far beyond being a religious speaker. He explained that chaplains serve people of all faiths, and even those with no faith at all, by creating an environment of trust, compassion and moral support wherever needed.

He also shared meaningful experiences from his own service as a chaplain in the Army National Guard, including the moving story of The Four Chaplains — a World War II account of faith, courage and selflessness.

On February 3, 1943, the U.S. Army transport ship Dorchester was carrying more than 900 men across the North Atlantic when it was torpedoed by a German submarine. As the ship began to sink, four Army chaplains, one Methodist, one Jewish, one Catholic and one Dutch Reformed, worked together to calm frightened soldiers, guide them to safety and give away their own life jackets when the supply ran out. Survivors later reported seeing the chaplains standing arm in arm, praying together as the ship went down.

Of the 902 men aboard, only 230 survived. Their courage and unity remain one of the most inspiring examples of faith and sacrifice in American military history, honored each year on Four Chaplains Day, February 3.

The ceremony concluded with the entire assembly standing for a powerful singing of “God Bless America” and the National Anthem, followed by the American Legion honor guard retiring the colors.