Nearly 115 Cumberland County Schools employees, who have served in the United States Armed Forces and veterans who may still be serving, were honored during the district's Fourth Annual Veterans Day Program this evening at the Educational Resource Center.

The program's keynote speaker was Retired Chief Warrant Officer Ariel Aponte, who currently works as the associate vice chancellor for Elizabeth City State University Military, State, and Federal Relations, and Past President of the Association of the United States Army, Braxton Bragg Chapter.

"If you did it [served the country] once, while in uniform, you can do it again out of the uniform," said Aponte. "Your current service is bigger than you and I. Your calling after the military is worthy to be acknowledged. So never water down the appreciation or admiration of others for your service ... Understand and accept that you are not alone in dealing with invisible wounds or survivor's guilt. You are stronger today than you were yesterday and your responsibilities in Cumberland County [schools] are as important as the one you had while in uniform."

Throughout the program, JROTC cadets, several CCS students, and staff members participated in and performed through song, dance, and the spoken word. Various speakers, including CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., paid tribute to the veterans who served honorably in the U.S. military during times of war and peace.

via CityView

Cumberland County Schools honors its veterans | CityView (cityviewnc.com)