On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice that unofficially ended World War I. Although the Treaty of Versailles wouldn’t be signed until June 28, 1919, it was Nov. 11, 1918, that spawned what we now call Veterans Day.

Although the official name and dates have changed over the decades following the original concept, including the modification from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954, the meaning and importance behind the federal holiday, much like the brave men and women who have fought under the guise of freedom and liberty, has remained steadfast, resolute, and unchanged.

The military in the United States in generational, many who serve today are the nieces and nephews, sons and daughters, or grandchildren of those who served before them.

Because of this, Sheffield U.S. History teacher Kristen Joblon has organized a Veterans Day assembly for both the students at Sheffield and community veterans to attend.

Joblon is a former Navy Airman and the daughter, granddaughter, sibling, and niece of military members from various branches. None more important than her father John Elms and grandfather Paul Camp, both of whom served for the Navy.

“Because I was in the military, and I have a lot of family members in the military, I think it’s important for the children to see the importance of honoring people who sacrificed so much so we can have the lives we do,” said Joblon, who jumped at the opportunity to organize the assembly when it was asked if anyone wanted to volunteer. “I enjoyed my time in the military. You build lifelong bonds with these people. It’s like your family. It’s a job, a duty to your country, but at the same time you build relationships with people in the military that you cannot in the civilian world.”

The Veterans Day assembly will consist of elementary students performing You’re a Grand Old Flag, Sheffield student Brady O’Donnell will read an original speech, and guest speaker Thad Turner, former Navy SEAL and current executive director of the Warren County YMCA will be a guest speaker for the event.

“I feel like the best message I can give to them, is the idea that, probably one that veterans are a very diverse group,” said Turner of how he plans to address elementary, middle school, and high school grade levels on Friday. “The first person that might come to their mind is some guy running around with a gun on, but veterans have served in all different capacities all around the world with all different backgrounds and genders and everything else in between. So, I’ll try to get that across to them, and help them understand the importance to the survival, and maybe put it a little bit more simplistic, but the survival of civilization on people committed to serve and without that, things like the United States and things that are important to us aren’t going to be around.”

Joblon encourages all community veterans to attend the assembly that begins sharply at 1:45 p.m. at the Sheffield Area High School gymnasium. Attendees will need to bring photo identification and enter the school at either elementary or high school entrance.