Durant High School held its Veterans Day assembly Wednesday afternoon, honoring both veterans who are employed at DHS and veterans from the community.

Stephanie Lowry, a teacher at DHS who is currently taking the year off to finish her master’s degree, led the assembly. She was a wonderful person to have lead the assembly, considering she herself is a veteran. Lowry served in the United States Air Force from 1988-1994.

Lowry asked the students to think about who their heroes were and why. She spoke about Pat Tillman, who had a contract with the NFL and chose to join the Army after 9/11 and ultimately gave his life for his country. Lowry also spoke about Brady Rudolf, a 1989 DHS graduate who was killed in Iraq. These are true American heroes, Lowry said.

Lowry touched on the importance of respecting the U.S. flag and saying thank you to veterans.

Veterans who work at DHS who were recognized included Principal Ron Craig, Byron Cordell, Mike Skinner, Tanner Dupree and Lowry.

Veterans from the community who visited included M. Dean Samuel, Wayne Gatlin, Amy Jamison, Howard Frazier, and Bobby Johnson.

After Johnson shared a touching experience from his time served as a Navy Seal, he received a standing ovation.

Veterans who were recognized received gift bags that included notes and thank you cards from the students.