Students at Brookland-Cayce High School honored veterans during a Nov. 11 ceremony, during which they met 102-year-old Charles R. Shealy, who served during World War II. 

This Lexington County School District Two high school was around during World War II, which took place from 1939 to 1945. The school was built in the 1930s, so many students at the time left school to serve in the war. Some came back to complete their high school education. 

“One of the reasons I love to honor our veterans is because they embody so many character traits that I think are so important for all of us, especially our young people, to really seek after," Chet Andrews, pastor of State Street Baptist Church, said at the event.  "Traits like honor, valor and sacrifice."

Brookland-Cayce High dedicated a World War II monument in front of the building in 2003, listing the names of nearly 900 individuals from the Cayce and West Columbia areas who served during the war. 

Shealy, born and raised in Leesville, graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School in 1940. He went on to serve in World War II from February 1943 until February 1946 as a tail-gunner on a B-25 Mitchell bomber, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. 

“The freedoms we enjoy were purchased by courage, paid for by your devotion, and safeguarded by your sacrifice," 1st Sgt. Sherman Crosland said. "I remind all of us, especially our students, that freedom is never free. Each of us has a duty to protect it, to preserve it and pass it on."

Students from the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) then participated in the laying of the wreath, which pays respect to all veterans. 

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, honors all who have served, both living and deceased, by recognizing their willingness to serve and sacrifice in doing so.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2023, there were 15.8 million U.S. military veterans. Additionally, 2023 Census data says Lexington County is home to over 23,000 veterans.