Chatham Middle School welcomed local Veterans as honored guests during the school's annual Veterans Day Celebration on November 10. The event included the Ghent VFW color guard, remarks by students and staff, patriotic music performed by our 7/8 band, 7/8 chorus, and 7/8 orchestra, and the presentation of flags representing all the branches of the military. This year’s featured keynote speaker was Mr. Brian Simmons, a Chatham graduate (Class of ‘68) who served six years in the Navy, 19 years in the Army National Guard, and 8 years in the Army Reserves. During his remarks, Mr. Simmons spoke of the traits of leadership and noted the service of other Chatham graduates. He spoke indeatial of three who served in the Vietnam War - Marine Corpsman Ed “Monk” Northrup, Marine Sergeant Patrick Wemmit, and Army Corporal Frank Fratellenico, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The school also hosted a reception for its Veteran guests following the ceremony.
