(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Chief Petty Officer Mark Jumper stands as Williamstown High School Senior Class Representative Mason Mercer and Class Secretary Brady Woodard introduce veterans from recent wars Friday during the school’s annual Veterans Day Assembly.

WILLIAMSTOWN — The auditorium at Williamstown High School was filled with the sound of patriotism and community spirit as students, faculty and local veterans gathered for the school’s annual Veterans Day Assembly.

Chairperson Kelly Hendrickson said this was the first assembly since it began in 2001 that a World War II veteran was not in attendance.

“We need to take full advantage of every opportunity to learn history from those who lived it before that chance is gone,” Hendrickson said. “Our veterans are a national treasure. They should have the opportunity to share their experiences and stories, and we need to listen.”

She reminded students what Veterans Day is about.

“Veterans Day is a solemn occasion on which we remember those who have put themselves in harm’s way defending this great nation. It’s also a time to honor and pay tribute to all veterans who have played such a significant role in shaping our country into what it stands for today,” she said.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Chief Petty Officer Mark Jumper speaks to a crown Friday during the annual Williamstown High School Veterans Day Assembly.

Hendrickson introduced Friday’s guest speaker, Chief Petty Officer Mark Jumper. She said Jumper, a Parkersburg native and 2007 Parkersburg High School graduate, has built a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy since 2009. With an associate’s degree from West Virginia University at Parkersburg, he has served in numerous deployments–including Europe, Africa, and in support of NATO and Special Operations missions. She said Jumper holds advanced warfare qualifications and multiple Navy and Marine Corps achievement medals. He currently leads Navy recruiting for the Parkersburg area and resides there with his wife, Taylor, and their four children.

“Thank you, Principal Jill Bryant, event coordinator Kelly Hendrickson, students and veterans present today for giving me the honor of speaking with you,” Jumper said.

Jumper told students Veterans Day wasn’t just a federal holiday, or another day off school, but a day to remember those who served.

“It’s a day to recognize those who have stood the watch at home and abroad to protect the freedoms we sometimes take for granted,” Jumper said. “There are thousands of deployed service members protecting our national interests abroad, spending time away from their loved ones.”

Jumper shared a personal experience from 2023 when he was stationed in East Africa and received a message.

(Photo provided) Members of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1087 and the Parkersburg South High School JROTC take part in the folding of the flag Friday during Williamstown High School’s Veterans Day Assembly.

“It was a cryptic message that came across, but we all knew what it meant. Mission is Go,” Jumper said. “Thirty minute muster initiated, which means you have thirty minutes wherever you may be in camp to get ready, arm up, get your gear and get to your designated location, ready to fulfill the mission.”

He said every soldier was excited and anxious but they all had a job to do and couldn’t do it alone.

“We trusted each other completely. Trust is inherent in what we do,” Jumper said. “The youngest sailor and the most senior officer worked side by side…because we knew that teamwork was the only way to make it through that night.”

Jumper told students the same values that make a good soldier are also the same values that make a good student.

“The values that make a good sailor, soldier, airman and Marine are also the same values that make a good student, a good teammate, friend and loved one,” Jumper said. “Here at Williamstown High School, you have core values that are instilled in every YellowJacket in this room, self discipline, service and respect. You do not need a uniform to live these values. You show them when you help a classmate who’s struggling, or when you stand up for someone who’s being treated unfairly, or when you give your best effort even when no one’s keeping score.”

(Photo provided) Members of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1087 and the Parkersburg South High School JROTC take part in the folding of the flag Friday during Williamstown High School’s Veterans Day Assembly.

Jumper challenged students to make the most of their future.

“Wherever life takes you, whether that’s college, a trade, the military, civil service, or something else, carry forward the spirit of service before self,” Jumper said. “I challenge you to seek ways to make your world, your country, your school and your family a little better than the way you found it.”

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Chairperson Kelly Hendrickson makes closing remarks Friday during the annual Williamstown High School Veterans Day Assembly. Hendrickson said this was the first year there were no World War II veterans in attendance.