Students Honor Local Veterans and Serve Special Veterans Day Lunch

COURT HOUSE – The Middle Township Middle School (MTMS) recently hosted its Annual Veterans Day Assembly.  The assembly included guest speakers, honored guests, performances from the school band and chorus, and a special visit from the Cape May US Coast Guard Recruit Color Guard.  The featured guest speakers were all local veterans who each had a different story to tell.  Students listened quietly as they were taken through stories of war, loss, bravery, and pride. 
Mark Hindle, an MTMS alumni, served as a US Coast Guard Lieutenant and currently works as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  He spoke to the students about the ways in which growing up in Middle Township opened doors for him in the service and how it could do the same for them.
“Believe it or not I was actually sitting in those same bleachers over 30 years ago.  Growing up in this area has allowed me to get experience in the military and service to my country and it can allow you to get the same.  My experience in the US Coast Guard allowed me to become a special agent in the FBI.  I still serve my country everyday, just in a different uniform.  We look and fight the terrorism threat on a daily basis,” said Hindle. 
Principal Jeff Ortman was very grateful to have had such inspiring veterans speak at the assembly.
“It is with great honor today that we have an opportunity to share this special day with members of our community that have served or are serving in the armed forces.  Veterans Day is a time for the people of the United States to take a moment to reflect on what the service of their neighbors, family members, and friends mean to their lives and to the nation as a whole,” said Principal Ortman.
After the assembly, the veterans and the Color Guard were invited to join the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) students for lunch.  NJHS students served food and refreshments and then sat down to speak to veterans and members of the Color Guard about their experiences.  It was a great way for students to get an idea of what it is really like to serve this great country.