As veterans from all branches stand to salute the flag they risked their life for around, students from Chapman surrounding them get shivers up their spines.

“It gave me cold chills,” junior Sarah Ballenger said.

On Nov. 11, Chapman held its annual Veterans Day assembly.

The assembly consisted of performances from chorus, orchestra and band — including a powerful performance of military anthems — a flag folding and presentation, and a speech from retired Navy Cmdr. Ernest Jolley, who told of his experiences in the service and in life.

Veteran’s Day is a day to thank those who risk their lives to serve America

Principal Ty Dawkins said he thinks it important to have an assembly on Veteran’s Day to show awareness.

“I think it is very important to bring awareness to students and staff of what our veterans gave, sacrificed and volunteered for our lives and this country,” Dawkins said. “Some people may forget and you shouldn’t ever forget.”

Dawkins notes the importance of celebration.

“Veterans Day is too important not to celebrate,” Dawkins said. “You and I couldn’t sleep at night without their protection.”

Senior JROTC Cmdr. Kacie Manning thinks it’s important to spend the day honoring those who give their all for America.

“It’s important to thank the men and women that gave us the freedoms that we have,” Manning said. “We tend to forget how blessed we are as Americans to have these men and women who took an oath to risk their life for us.”

JROTC was a huge contribution to this assembly.

The group presented colors, had cadets posted at the doors while students and guests entered and orchestrated a flag folding ceremony in memory of career counselor Luke Black’s grandfather, a retired Navy veteran.

Manning said that last part was the most important moment.

“Having the ability to honor and thank the men and women who served our country so selflessly was truly an honor,” she said.

Junior Sarah Ballenger agrees.

“The folding of the flag was definitely memorable,” Ballenger said.

The guest speaker of the assembly was Jolley.

Jolley attended the U.S. Naval Academy from 1970-1974, was on active duty from 1974-1980, in the Reserves from 1980-1997 and retired as Reserves Commander in 1997.

He talked about his journey and what he thinks is important when living life.

“I think the most important thing is integrity,” he said. “Integrity captures three-to-four other things and pulls them together.”

Jolley said that he enjoys speaking with students because he loves to engage them and because he remembers how important it was to him to hear real-life military members speak.

“I realize what a difference those engagements made for me,” he said. “It brought credibility.”

Although he relished the opportunity to speak to students, he understood the challenges of facing an audience composed not only of students but also of veterans.

“It was the alpha and the omega,” he said. “(The veterans) are the folks who made it possible, and the students are who I am entrusting the future to.”

He said the veterans’ spirits inspired him.

“Even though their bodies have become frail, their spirits are full of energy,” he said.

Jolley stressed that he wants Chapman to know how much he appreciated the students, faculty and staff.

“Please let these students and staff know how moved and impressed I am,” he said. “And I have a high a standard.”

“(Jolley) taught me that living life with a positive attitude is the best way to live,” Ballenger said. “He said during his speech that people ask him all the time, ‘Why do you smile so much?’ and just knowing that he smiles no matter what brings me so much inspiration.”