PARKTON (WBFF) — Students, veterans and military families gathered Friday morning at Hereford High School for the school’s annual Memorial Day ceremony, where they honored fallen service members and reflected on the meaning behind the holiday.
The event is hosted by the school’s For Our Troops club and is centered on remembrance and sacrifice.
“My great grandfather served in World War II. And people like him, they put their lives on the line every day, and it’s just incredible,” student Jameson Greenwood said.
Retired Lt. Col. Amy Bennett said the ceremony gives students a unique chance to connect with veterans and military families.
“It means a lot, especially for the students to recognize the service members who have fallen that attended this high school,” Bennett said.
For Gold Star mother Robyn Anderson, the ceremony carried a deeply personal meaning. Her son Norm graduated from Hereford High School and died while serving in the military.
“Please don’t ever forget. That’s what’s most important,” Anderson said. “We just don’t want you to forget.”
She described her son as someone who loved life and was devoted to his country.
“He was a funny kid. He really was. He was the life of the party, and he was a kind soul,” Anderson said.
Anderson said Memorial Day should include both celebration and remembrance.
“It’s important that you do go and have your cookouts and your vacation, but never forget, never stop saying their names,” she said.
The ceremony served as a reminder that Memorial Day is not just about honoring service, but about remembering sacrifice.
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