In honor of Veterans Day, Glen Rock Middle School students were invited to hear firsthand accounts of military service from nine local veterans during a special assembly on November 12. 2025. The assembly aimed to help students gain a better understanding of the experiences of those who had served in the armed forces.
Bringing the event to Glen Rock, Mrs. Walters, a teacher at the High School and borough historian, came up with the idea from a field trip viewing of a Ken Burns documentary, “The American Revolution.” Her main goal was to educate the students in a way that would fascinate them.
“One of the things we wanted to accomplish in the assembly was to create a program that kept the students interested,” Walters said.
The event was moderated by two Glen Rock High School students, senior Connor Bratspies and junior Phoebe Martin, who collaborated to lead the discussion and pose questions to the veterans. They began with a quick introduction of the veterans, asking their name, role in the military and how long they have lived in Glen Rock. The following questions ranged from deciphering values that came from the military to memorable moments experienced by the veterans.
When questioned on what the most valuable skill the veterans had learned in the military that they still use today, the veterans all agreed that during their service, teamwork was a fundamental feature in any type of service. They urged the audience to acknowledge the necessity of this skill not just for military purposes, but for life as a whole as well. The moments in which the veterans found themselves relying on another, showcased the importance for teamwork to the students as it was emphasized by firsthand militaristic experiences.
Toward the end of the assembly, the Middle School students were also invited to ask their own questions. Many wanted to know more about the hardships and difficulties they faced. In the short minutes they had, many veterans answered in what detail they could, explaining the trials they met and how it changed their views on life.
For many in the audience, the assembly resonated deeply, shaping their grasp on military service. The event ultimately offered the students a chance to connect with Glen Rock’s local veterans and reflect on the stories of the men who served their country.
“It was great because we got to see people’s experiences in the military and it gives us a heads up about some people’s lives right now,” said Middle School student Ali Ozbey.
