LINN — Retired US Air Force Technical Sergeant and current Linn High School Social Studies teacher Greg Stephens spoke at Friday’s Veterans Day assembly about the history and purpose of occasion, and how his time in the service helped create the man he is today.

“On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the fighting in World War I ended in 1918,” Stephens said, “Due to the conclusion of the ‘war to end all wars,’ Nov. 11th became a universal day of celebration. The day was originally declared as Armistice Day, eight years after the end of World War I, honoring only veterans of that war. In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, it was renamed Veterans Day, to honor all veterans who served in American wars and defended democracy."

“So, today we honor all of our veterans who once unselfishly placed their lives on the line for our freedom. These men and women were ordinary people, until they heard the call of duty. They left their families, their homes, not for recognition or fame or even the honor we bestow upon them today. They fought to protect our country and maintain our way of life.”

Stephens went on to say, “As we honor our veterans and remember their great deeds, let’s also salute those who are currently fighting for our freedom.”

Veterans Day, Stephens said, holds a special meaning for him, not only because he served, but also because his uncle served during the Vietnam War. “His service and beliefs inspire me every day for my own career,” he said.

Stephens added that he enlisted after several years “going from job to job, searching for purpose.” He ended up at the recruiter’s office one day after work. “I like to think it was meant to be,” he said. “I enlisted that day because I wanted to make a difference. That choice defined my life in ways that I could not have imagined. I learned more, saw more, gained more from my time in uniform than any other time in my life. So, whether you choose to join right out of school, or wait for a few years, I promise you, it will help you grow more ways you could ever imagine. Take it from someone who took a long time to figure out what he wanted to do. It was perfect.”

“Thank you for being here today and honoring our veterans today,” he concluded, “Let us walk towards tomorrow, still honoring them by living in the freedom.”

The Voice of Democracy first place essay winner was Elizabeth Sprenger, and the Patriot’s Pen first place essay winner was Keeley Entz.

Colors were posted by members of the VFW and Freeburg American Legion #317, and retired by the same, as “Taps” was played by Tiauna Friend.

The Linn High School Choirs ended the ceremony with “God Bless America.”