American flags lined Hatboro-Horsham High School’s front garden after veterans of the United States military were honored with a breakfast and ceremony on Friday, Nov. 8. This annual, student-run event featured veterans who served in various branches across the world, ranging from domestic service to Egypt, Uzbekistan and Iraq. The profound positive impact of events like these is just as wide-ranging as their military service.
Students joined their friends and family members in the auditorium after first period, where they were greeted by the smell of the Bagel and Bread House, a staple in the HH community. After eating, catching up with friends and family and listening to opening remarks from principal Dr. Dennis Williams, veterans were called to the front of the auditorium to shake hands with members of HH administration and receive a commemorative pen and a mini American flag, the latter of which veterans placed in HH’s garden outside the main lobby as they were leaving.
Not too long ago, however, there were no flags, no commemorative pens and not even a breakfast. The garden remained in its ordinary form, and the legacy of the bravest individuals in our community was left unacknowledged; at least at our high school. Luckily, a few students were able to change that.
In 2019, students approached Dr. Williams about organizing a Veterans Day breakfast for 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, progress stalled. However, with a solidified plan and a dedicated group of HH students, the first annual Veterans Day Breakfast was rolled out in 2021, and since then, it has only gotten better.
“[The breakfast] has grown organically,” said Mr. Brian Knox, a United States history and government teacher at HH. “We teach about the Constitution, we teach about the wars, but this makes it more real when you actually see the people who have served…This provides a real connection for kids with history. When we read about it in a textbook or watch a movie, it may seem kind of distant.”
With so many countries and branches of service represented, students at this year’s breakfast got about as close to history as one can get.
Leonard Jaffee, U.S. Army veteran, was stationed in Germany and worked in the artillery that towed combat vehicles. His grandson, Shane Mills — a junior at HH — highlighted the value of events that honor veterans: “It’s important bringing someone like [my grandfather] here. He deserves to be supported and recognized for all that he did.”
Likewise, Army veteran Richard McGarrigan — who served as a 330th Combat Engineer — was in attendance with his grandson, Shane Phillips. As an engineer, McGarrigan climbed poles, did wiring, and managed communication between the various divisions of the Army. Reflecting on his fifth Veterans Day Breakfast in the district, he still “enjoys the fact that people recognize [veterans] and that [his] grandkids are all involved.”
With this tradition set in stone at HH, Dr. Williams and the student leaders that organized this breakfast are already looking toward next year. Dr. Williams, especially, understands how important these types of events are for the school community: “As the grandson of a veteran, I grew up with a very clear understanding of how to serve this country.”
Dr. Williams plans to meet with these students before the New Year to fortify a plan to continue the organic growth of such a special event. More students have already expressed an interest in getting involved, ensuring the sustainability of this new tradition.
“Most of the great ideas that come out of this school are from either the teachers or kids,” Dr. Williams said, “so my job is just to make sure we can make it work.”
