A solemn sense of pride, duty, service, sacrifice and obligation was tangible as student athletes stood with veterans and active-duty military personnel during the national anthem at a special 'Salute To Service' game.

This has nothing to do with taking a knee. Long before the NFL controversy over conduct during the national anthem, student athletes at Pennfield High School in Battle Creek decided they wanted to honor people they knew that serve our country.

Each varsity football player and cheerleader got to choose a veteran or active-duty member of the military to stand with them at the final home game on October 20. The team wore special patriotic jerseys and raised more than $3,000 for the Veterans Helping Veterans of SWMI.

Ladies and gentlemen, the privilege of this event was made possible by those who have fought and those who continue to fight for the freedoms we enjoy. Let us now honor and respect their efforts and our country....as we proudly sing our national anthem.

-Public address announcer, Pennfield High School

 

Bonus Video: 360 Inside the Clock Tower of First United Methodist Church

 

 

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