November 11, 2024 - The annual Veterans Day Celebration hosted by the Davenport Junior Reserves Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) on November 8 featured military guest speakers from across the state, student presentations, and student performances from various organizations.
What many guests including veterans may not have known, is the fact that the entire program was organized and presented by DHS students.
Karla Perez, a JROTC Cadet Captain, dance officer, and junior at DHS, shares her contribution to the Veterans Day program that included interviewing staff members with military connections.
For Perez, the importance of Veterans Day runs deep within her family, with many family members serving in either the Army or Air Force. The holiday serves as a reminder to show gratitude towards those who have made sacrifices for the country.
“Veterans day is important to me because it honors all of my family members who have served. It's a really great way to appreciate them and show them recognition for their service,” explains Perez.
The large presence of military service members in her family has inspired her to also pursue a career in the military. In fact, she plans to become a family nurse practitioner in the Air Force.
For young people who may not have a family connection to the military or Veterans Day, Perez points out the importance of teaching them about the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
“I think it is a good thing to make students aware of the sacrifices veterans have made, as well as the sacrifices made by their families,” says Perez. “It is a struggle having to move frequently, find new jobs, and make new friends.”
One of the stories that stood out to her while conducting interviews with veterans was from World War II.
“His story was emotional and really inspiring. He had suffered many injuries in the field but did not let that stop him, and he continues to be an advocate for veteran recognition and support today.”
Through her interviews, Perez has learned the impact a veteran’s service can have on them and their families and shares that it “solidifies how important remembering their service really is.”
By empowering and trusting students with its Veterans Day celebration, the DHS JROTC has created opportunities for them to build connections among their peers, teachers, and family members. In doing so, their students have a newfound appreciation for what Veterans Day truly means.
Thank you Karla for sharing how Veterans Day inspires your Path to Success!
Photo Descriptions
- Davenport High School JROTC Cadet Captain Karla Perez presents the colors.
- Davenport High School JROTC Cadet Captain Karla Perez.