On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Liberty High School held its annual program honoring local veterans with a breakfast, musical performances, and a recognition of local veterans. This year, the event included a powerful speech by Air Force veteran and LHS teacher John Stephenson. The ceremony, held in the school gym, brought together students, faculty, and veterans in a heartfelt tribute to those who have served.
Following breakfast, the Liberty High School band and choir delivered stirring patriotic performances. Stephenson spoke passionately about the significance of Veterans Day and the personal sacrifices made by military service members.
“Before I start, I just want to give honor to everybody out here sitting and joining us today,” Stephenson began, gesturing toward the small group of veterans in attendance.
He then addressed the students directly, urging them to appreciate the gravity of the day.
“The ‘why’ of Veterans Day is not merely a historical reflection from 1919. It is an essential occasion that honors the personal sacrifices of those who have served and educates us about the ongoing importance of supporting those heroes,” he said.
Stephenson passionately spoke about honoring veterans and promoting military service, and what it truly means to be a hero. He shared that “anyone who is willing to put their personal dreams, aspirations, and life plans on hold to protect our country… has forever earned the title hero.” Humble as always, he noted that many veterans would simply say, “I was just doing my job.”
As he continued, Stephenson reflected on the impact of veterans’ sacrifices and the importance of their dedication to freedom.
“They ensured that we can live in a country where freedom endures,” he said. Highlighting the freedoms Americans enjoy daily, Stephenson reminded the students that these liberties come at a cost—paid for by those who serve.
In a personal story, Stephenson spoke of how the Air Force gave him direction when he felt lost after high school. Growing up in Tennessee, he had struggled to find purpose until he enlisted.
“Surrounding myself with the right people brought a new sense of purpose and direction in my life. They, of course, did not only give me that direction, it transformed my life forever. My father showed me what makes a man, but serving something greater than myself, truly made me one,” he said.
Stephenson also paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who, as he put it, “never got to live out their lives, accomplish their goals, get married, buy a home, or even start a family.”
These service members, he said, are “the real heroes,” whose bravery and dedication remind us of the cost of freedom. Quoting former President Ronald Reagan, he left the students with this message: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on.”
The program concluded with an emotional tribute from the LHS band, performing songs representing each branch of the military. As each branch’s song played, veterans from that branch stood to be recognized, met with cheers and applause from the crowd.
The girls holding the flags are the 24-25 LHS Colorguard.