At their second annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony, Leyden’s Music Department and Leyden Township honored “Our Hometown Heroes,” those who serve our nation and our community, emphasizing Prisoners Of War/Missing In Action and women in the military.

This event grew out of a special event that Leyden Township had, which was a dedication of their town hall. They renamed it Veterans’ Hall. Mr. Bryan Miller, Leyden’s Music Director, stated that “They got a beautiful stone marker that goes in front of the township office that recognizes their services. It had the crest of each of the services. There is a rich history of people in these communities who have served for their country.”

With the first event being such a success, organizers decided to make this an annual thing. Mr. Bryan Miller added that, “People loved it so much, but we needed to bring it indoors, to the high schools, so we can bring people from the community into the Leyden High Schools. Otherwise, they would never come here. They need to see what great things happen here, see our beautiful facilities that our kids get to have here. We decided that we can add video, a stage, and lighting for drama.”

Leyden’s Music Department partnered with Leyden Township to create this Veterans’ Day event. This event involved the American Legion, the VFW, Military personnel, and also our civic heroes, not just those who have served our nation but those who serve our community, our first responders, our firefighters, our police. All were represented.

Mr. Bryan Miller added, “It’s really a combination of powerful oration, some history of our nation, our patriotism, powerful music, almost like a soundtrack to a movie, behind someone speaking, visual imagery that we hope is stirring and meaningful.” This event included band, choir, orchestra, speakers, and stage action for a few of the presentations.

This year, the event included two things that weren’t acknowledged last year. The women who have served, the POWMIA, and “Our Hometown Heroes” will be honored. Mr. Bryan Miller stated “Prisoners Of War Missing In Action table, it is a ceremony that the military does to recognize people whom they just never found. They went to serve; they never came home; they were never confirmed to have given their life, and it’s a very powerful ceremony where each of the text things they say is enacted by someone, and we play the music behind that. Also, this year’s event in particular [honored] what we call “Our Hometown Heroes”, those who serve in any of these capacities. It also [honored] our women who have served in the military.”

There are students who were involved in the ceremony who know someone who is or was in the military. Two students from the West campus, Danny and Lydia Wade, honored their oldest brother Jimmy, who was also in the Leyden Music Department. Jimmy just finished Army basic training. Lydia added, “It is important to me because it shows that people respect those soldiers that give their lives to help fight for the land we live on. I love my soldier, and I want him to know that I am supporting him no matter what. This ceremony means everything to me.”

Danny added, “This ceremony is very special for me. For the first year, sophomore year, I played it with my brother still at home. The concert was good, but for me it didn’t have as much meaning as it will today. I went to go see my brother down in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and when we saw his graduation, he and his platoon sang ‘The Army Goes Rolling Along,’ and it really touched me. Now when I play Armed Forces Salute on the snare drum, I get to play ‘his’ song, and even in class I get the chills playing it. Not only that, but my dad and grandpa were also in the Army, so now I get to play this concert for three of my family members.”