Veterans Day celebration bridges generations

Students at Hayden Peak know what it means to be free. They also know the sacrifice it takes to secure that freedom. Over the past several years, the school has honored local veterans during its Veterans Day celebration. They did it again this year on Nov. 11.

“It’s nice to see kids being taught how important those who serve in the military are to this country,” Army Captain Justin R. Stoddard said.

Each year the assembly grows. This year’s program included a color guard presentation by a unit from the Army National guard located in West Jordan and musical numbers performed by the Hayden Peak school choir. Students invited guests who are veterans of wars past and those currently serving. Stoddard’s daughter, Vianna Munoz, is a sixth grader at the school and invited him to be one of the honored guests.

“They’ve done a very nice job honoring all of us,” Stoddard said. “It’s always good to see students give due respect to the military.”

Veterans were honored by students during a special flower ceremony and Jordan School District school board member Corbin White was the keynote speaker.

“Having a dad in the military means knowing I’ll always be protected,” Kylie Stoddard said.

“When he leaves it’s sad, but when he comes home, I feel safe again,” Vianna Stoddard added.