November 11, 2026

Washington High School Veterans Day Assembly

Washington High School, Washington Chapter of the National Honor Society and Washington’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) presented the annual Veterans Day Assembly on Wednesday, November 11, in the Blue Jay Gymnasium at WHS.

In attendance were the WHS student body and staff members, along with veterans, community leaders, Board of Education members, School District of Washington administrators, and other guests.

The featured speaker was Rocky Sickmann, a Washington High School graduate and a former United States Marine Corps sergeant who was held hostage for 444 days during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.

Sickmann was introduced by WHS student Caleb Moritz.

During the assembly, each veteran in attendance was individually recognized, which was read by WHS students Kolten Lause and Kensley Guss. Lause also led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Kendal Gilmor recognized community members and school board members.

Kate Kimminau recognized WHS staff veterans and enlisted students.

Aly Paule introduced the NJROTC Exhibition Drill Team, who gave a performance.

Call to Attention was led by Cadet Jackson Laubinger.

The Washington High School concert choir performed “A Tribute to the Armed Services” and “Thankfully.”

Members of the WHS Concert Band performed the national anthem.

The WHS Orchestra performed during the procession of veterans and guests.

WHS student Tyler Repke performed “Taps.”

The assembly concluded with a moment of silence and the retiring of colors (VFW Honor Guard). WHS Principal Dr. Nicole Wilmes gave closing remarks.

A reception with breakfast prepared by WHS culinary arts students for the veterans and other guests was held prior to the assembly.

Photos from Washington High School’s Veterans Day Assembly are below.

A speaker in a dark blazer and glasses holds a microphone, addressing an audience in a gymnasium.

The featured speaker was Rocky Sickmann, a Washington High School graduate and a former United States Marine Corps sergeant who was held hostage for 444 days during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.

A group of people in matching red jackets and dark pants stand in line, holding various flags in a gymnasium.

A color guard stands at attention inside a gymnasium, holding the American flag and various organizational banners.

A line of individuals in uniform holds various flags inside a gymnasium.

A student orchestra performs on a wooden gym floor with sheet music on stands.

A high school orchestra ensemble plays violins indoors.

A choir of young people in black formal attire sings together on risers indoors.

A student in a military uniform stands at attention, holding a large blue flag indoors.

A young woman speaks into a microphone next to a wooden podium with an American flag in the foreground.

A woman stands at a wooden podium speaking into a microphone with an American flag nearby.

A woman stands at a wooden podium speaking into a microphone, with an American flag beside her.

A young woman stands at a wooden podium, speaking into a microphone with an American flag nearby.

A color guard team in dark uniforms stands at attention with flags on a gymnasium floor.

A group of individuals in uniform perform a synchronized salute indoors, holding rifles in front of a projection screen.

A young man in a white shirt and tie speaks at a wooden podium indoors.

A group of students sit in rows with music stands, partially obscured by ceremonial flags.

A woman stands at a wooden podium speaking into a microphone, with an American flag to her left.

A speaker in a dark blazer and glasses holds a microphone, addressing an audience in a gymnasium.

A speaker in a dark blazer and glasses stands in front of blue bleachers while holding a microphone.