Cashmere students honor local veterans

CASHMERE – Local veterans and active duty service members were celebrated and honored by Cashmere students on Nov. 8.

“It was awesome. I really appreciate the school and the community putting it together for all the veterans within the Cashmere valley….The music with the students in the band was great,” said Luis Torres, who has served in the Army for 24 years. “I appreciate the invitation. I'm glad that I was able to attend.”

 “I was thrilled to see the number [of veterans]. It was about twice as it was last year,” said Gerald Anglin, who served in the Army from 1964 to 1967.

Each year, Cashmere High School invites the community to attend its Veterans Day assembly, in which both high school and middle school students take part in honoring the dedication and sacrifice of veterans and their family members. 

“It's not just the servicemember that serves. Usually I find it’s harder for the families, the spouses, kids and extended families that have people that serve in a little bit harder program. I think it's nice to recognize them as a whole,” said Torres.

After the assembly, veterans were invited to a luncheon at the American Legion Hall, where Cashmere Middle School students decorated and catered the event.

“It was really fun talking to all the veterans and kind of learning about their lives, not only in the military, but also just their personal lives,” said eighth grader Ayden Gasbar. “Just appreciating what they've done and that we need to honor them with respect…A lot of the things we have today are because of them.”

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media