Things I learned at the Veteran's Day Assembly

I learned that there hasn't ever been a Veteran's Day assembly that hasn't moved me to tears.  I learned that no matter what, no matter how weak, "Taps" will make me cry every time, especially when it is the only noise in a high school gym full of (amazingly) silent high school students.  I learned that different units (orchestra, band, choir), when directed as one make beautiful music.  I learned that even the language of silence is beautiful (ASL "Star Spangled Banner"), and I learned, even if no one else did, that a Mission + Commitment + Unit Cohesion (group commitment) + Personal Sacrifice = Mission Accomplished.  Thank you Veterans through the ages for the privilege of freedom.  Thank you Veterans of every creed, every belief, every gender who've worked together in beauty to accomplish the mission.  Thank you to every service person - and civilian - who has been willing for the greatest personal sacrifice that freedom could be won.  And not just for us Americans!