From left, Slater High School Sophomore Justin Dobbins, Senior Josh Bryson and Junior Khristopher Todd are greeted by state Rep. Joe Aull and Congressman Ike Skelton at Slater High School Monday, Feb. 18. (Travis Watts/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

Skelton told students it's important they study history and make a lifetime habit of reading history, to gain "a basic understanding of where we come from."

"We can't know where we're going," he said, "unless we know where we've been."

Normally a holiday for the school district, Monday was a snow make-up day.

In addition to the special assembly, students spent the rest of their day in seminars recognizing selected leaders of American culture, including presidents.

Skelton's brief remarks included a personal memory of a similar assembly when he was himself a senior in high school.

The long-ago speaker reminded Skelton and his friends that they would one day be "the leaders of tomorrow."

Skelton said he turned to his friends and said, "Big deal," but just last week, he had lunch with some of those same friends, and realized they had turned out to be leaders after all.

"Believe me, it's going to happen (for you)," he said. "The only question is what type of leader you will be."

He added, "This country has been blessed, in difficult times, with good leaders."

Accompanying Skelton to the assembly was state Rep. Joe Aull (D-Marshall), who urged students to set their goals high and not to be afraid to dream.

"We're lucky we live in the United States," he said.

American Legion Chaplain Charlie Guthrie, organizer of the assembly, presented certificates of appreciation to members of city and county government who attended the event, with a special presentation to Skelton from veteran John Goodman, who told the audience, "As long as we have Ike Skelton, we (vets) never stand alone."

Skelton is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and throughout his 30-year tenure in the House of Representatives has been very supportive of the military and its veterans.

George Perry of Slater, whose son, Joey, is with the Army in Kabul, Afghanistan, presented a photograph of his son's military unit to Skelton.

Perry, whose graying hair reaches past his shoulders, was introduced by Guthrie, who said Perry had pledged not to cut his hair until his son comes home again.

Guthrie closed the assembly with an admonition to students to get registered and to vote as soon as they're eligible, which for some will be in plenty of time to vote in the November general election.

Contact Kathy Fairchild at marshallhealth@socket.net