Shonto Preparatory School honors those who served U.S. with Veteran's Day program

Shonto Preparatory School puts on a program Nov. 10 to honor area veterans. Submitted photo

Shonto Preparatory School puts on a program Nov. 10 to honor area veterans. Submitted photo

SHONTO, Ariz. - Shonto Preparatory School honored its community and employee veterans Nov. 10 with a Veterans Day assembly and dinner. The program was a tribute to all veterans, especially those from the Shonto and Inscription House communities to remember sacrifices made, and the veterans' courage and dedication to defend the country.

The dinner was provided by the staff members and served all the veterans in attendance along with their spouses and families.

The Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders rode their motorcycles from Tuba City to Shonto to honor the Shonto veterans. Little Miss Shonto Erin H. Morris sang a flag song for the audience in Navajo. Junior Miss Shonto Jeminica Yazzie and Miss Shonto Sapphira Tsinnijinnie led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Tsinnijinnie also represented Shonto by attending the Hopi Veterans Parade Nov. 11.

Emmerson Tate was the guest speaker. He talked about his time serving in various countries when he was an elite member of the Special Forces. He remembers the days when he was a student at Shonto Boarding School and he told the students that education will get one further in life.

Lemual Adson, Shonto Preparatory School superintendent, is a member of the Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders. The riders rode their motorcycles in the rain and snow from Tuba City to Shonto to attend the Veteran's Day Program.

Principal Fout read the Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye's Veterans Day Proclamation and he also told the audience about the significance of the empty chair. The empty chair signifies the missing veteran, the same as the missing man formation and honor goes to all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

A number of classroom presentations entertained the audience including dances, poems and sign language.

Mr. Kelly, Jr., a Vietnam Veteran, closed the program with a benediction.

The student council handed out 43 gift boxes to all the veterans. The Canned Food Drive was sponsored by the student council.

Flynn Poorbear, student council president, played taps while Fout presented a wreath to represent all of the fallen service men and women.

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