The 43rd annual Quitman High School Veteran’s Day Assembly was highlighted by speeches from David and Michael Gonyea, brothers who served in the United States Marines. They own Minute Man Ordnance Company in Quitman along with Michael’s wife Stephanie. 

The Quitman Elementary School choir entertained with patriotic numbers for the packed high school auditorium. Quitman students listened intently to the speakers. Veterans from each branch of the military were represented.

After Quitman Band Director Micheal Barron played a stirring rendition of Taps, Kori Hammond and Mason Williams led the crowd in the US and Texas pledges followed by a stellar performance of the National Anthem by Marrysa Conn.

Michael Gonyea served in the Marines during peace time and encouraged the students to understand service and what it means, whether in a time of war or during peacetime.

When Michael graduated from Yantis High School he had plans to attend Texas A&M. He made a decision to join the Marines and became a Marine reserve.

David Gonyea spent 13 years in the Marines. David told the story of an Army veteran, Roy Benavides from Cuero, who joined the Army in 1952. The story of Benavides’ heroism in the face of danger enthralled the quiet crowed as they listened intently.

Daivd’s service was on active duty during his tenure as a Marine with all those years in wartime during the Global War on Terror. He spent four years at the White House Military Office, tasked with ensuring the survivability of the President of the United Sates, his family and senior cabinet members in the event of an emergency or attack while traveling in Marine Corps helicopters.

“Being a veteran means serving something greater than yourself, it means nothing about politics or the orders from Washington, but the brother or sister to the left or right of you, he said. “Spending my entire career during the Global War on Terror means many of my friends never came home. The selflessness of men like Jason Dunham, Luke Pyeatt, Robert Kelly and Tyrone Woods are what fuels me to strive to be better every day. What it means to be a veteran is to set an example to your community for others to emulate. It means carrying on the memories of friends lost, service never stops.”

David ended his speech with the following. “While it’s appreciated that you say thanks to those who served, I encourage you to make sure we didn’t serve in vain, and be worthy of the sacrifices made.”