Since its founding days, Canyons District schools have planned assemblies, activities, and learning opportunities to mark the importance of Veterans Day. As Veterans Day 2024 approaches, Connect Canyons gives voice to CSD employees who have given so much of themselves in the service if our country. In this edition, released just days before the Monday, Nov. 11 federal holiday, we talk with HR Administrator and Navy veteran Everett Perry, Brighton High teacher and Army veteran Derek Chandler, and Jordan High Naval National Defense Cadet Corps coordinator Jonathan Ward.  Our guests share why they chose to join the military, how their time in the military changed them as people, and how their service as soldiers and sailors impacted their work in education. “You know, it doesn’t matter what you do. You’re supporting the Constitution,” Ward says. “You’re defending the Constitution, and the freedoms that we enjoy in this United States of America today is a direct result of our military personnel, and that’s what I would like people to realize: these veterans are heroes.”

Episode Chapters

The End of World War I and Veterans Day

We explore the reason Veterans Day is held in November and not marked on the same day as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

01:40 Everett Perry’s U.S. Armed Forces Journey

CSD Human Resources Administrator Everett Perry shares what drove him to join the military and how the recommendation of one man led to saving dozens of lives.

05:42 Brighton teacher Derek Chandler’s Unexpected Path to the U.S. Army

Art educator Derek Chandler explains how his path was never meant to lead to the military — but then one turn, followed by the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attack, changed his life.

12:37 Jonathan Ward’s Musical Service in the Military

Jonathan Ward explains how music led to his time in the service and brought him back to education and spearheading Jordan High’s new Navy National Defense Cadet Corps program.

19:25 Jordan High’s New Naval Program

Jordan’s Navy National Defense Cadet Corps is in its inaugural year. Ward talks about how the first year is going, his hopes for the program in the coming years, and the program’s impact on students.

25:55 Military Influence on Personal Growth

Our veterans share how their time in the military changed them personally and the impact their service has had on how they approach working in education.

33:58 Veterans Day Programs

Canyons District has a storied history of honoring our local veterans with Veterans Day programs.  Perry shares how they have provided him an opportunity to share his own families’ stories.

40:24 Message to Students on Veterans Day

Our veterans share what they want Canyons students to know about veterans and why we celebrate Veterans Day.