“We Throw the Torch”: Timpview High’s 2024 Veteran’s Day Tribute Assembly

November 12th, 2024 /
Spencer Tuinei /
News, Schools, Secondary Schools, Timpview High

Yesterday, Timpview hosted its Veteran’s Day Assembly, a now time-honored tradition for many across Provo. Each year, Timpview High invites veterans from Provo– many related to students– to attend, receiving recognition for their service.

Veterans received an introduction from Timpview High’s Color Guard and Band; Timpview’s Student Government then presented each military branch’s flags, asking those who served to stand for their respective flags. Veterans rose for a salute as their branch was called, while students, staff, faculty, and visitors stood and applauded each branch in recognition of their service.

Interspersed between musical performances from Timpview’s Choir, Band, and Ballroom, four Timpview students honored veteran family members, friends, and neighbors by reading heartfelt, self-written tributes, each culminating in standing applause.

Emilie Whatcott spotlighted her grandfather, First Sergeant Bart Whatcott; Elijah Pestana honored Corporal Fred Richard Day; Jaidyn Bundy paid tribute to her grandfather, Captain Lamar Leishman, a pilot; and Spencer Drewes celebrated his grandfather, Major General Robert W. Drewes, USAF.

Lastly, Event Chair Abigail Billeter shared remarks about her Uncle, who was mortally wounded during his service.

His service taught me that success isn’t just about achievement. It’s about working with others to make a difference for a cause you truly believe in.

Lastly, one student honored veterans by reading In Flanders Fields by John McCrae. During World War I, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields after witnessing the toll of battle in Belgium, inspiring the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who served. All student speakers wore red poppies during the assembly, as did many of the veteran attendants.

The words of the poem are relevant for all veterans who have ever tread on a battlefield with their compatriots in service of their friends and family back home. We share the final stanza here:

Take up our quarrel with the foe: /

To you from failing hands we throw /

The torch; be yours to hold it high. //

If ye break faith with us who die /

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow /

In Flanders fields. //

After the assembly’s conclusion, Timpview hosted its annual luncheon for veterans.

We want to thank Provo City, the Provo City Mayor’s Office, Provo Parks and Recreation, Provo Freedom Festival, Veterans Council, Provo Costa Vida, and Timpview’s Student Government, Choir, Band, Cheer, Ballroom, Latinos in Action, and School Administration for their help in celebrating and commemorating our veterans.

Above all, we thank those who serve and continue to serve in our armed forces; we vow to take up your torch to uplift and offer aid to our families, friends, and neighbors, and we forever mark your service.