This past weekend, as Randolph High School kicked off the first round of playoffs, the community gathered for a game night that went beyond sports. In conjunction with Veterans Day, Randolph High School held a Military Appreciation Night to honor those who have served our country, making the event particularly meaningful for many, including one of our coaches, a proud six-year Marine Corps veteran.
The evening featured several tributes and special recognitions to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans. Highlights included:
- Marine Corps Color Guard Presentation: The colors were presented by a Marine Corps Color Guard during the playing of the national anthem, adding a solemn and patriotic touch to the event.
- Veterans on the Sidelines: All veterans in attendance joined the team on the sideline for the national anthem, creating a moment of unity and respect in honoring their service.
- Veterans Affairs Information Table: Representatives from our Veterans Affairs office, both of whom are veterans themselves, were present with an information table to engage with and support our local veterans.
- Recognition of Volunteer Coach: One of our volunteer coaches, a US Army veteran, was recognized for both his military service and his dedication to our team.
Additionally, three esteemed members of the community were honored as game captains for the night:
- Bob Wallace – A proud Randolph High School Class of 1957 alumnus and former Blue Devils football player. Bob was an all-scholastic offensive guard and later served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1969.
- Robert Gamel – A US Navy Master-at-Arms who served from 1959 to 1963 during the Vietnam Era, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. Robert has been a dedicated Randolph resident for many years.
- Ronnie Barber – Another Randolph High alumnus from the Class of 1957, Ronnie was the captain of both the football and basketball teams and a standout quarterback for the Blue Devils. After graduation, Ronnie joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably for 37 years, achieving the rank of Sergeant Major.
This Military Appreciation Night provided Randolph High School and the community an opportunity to honor those who dedicated their lives to service. Through joining the anthem, visiting the Veterans Affairs information table, and cheering on the honorary game captains, the event brought everyone together to pay tribute and remember the true meaning of Veterans Day.
The night was one to remember, filled with gratitude, respect, and a strong sense of community unity both on and off the field.
Leave a Reply