Students host assembly featuring Marine veteran and Iran Hostage Crisis survivor Rodney “Rocky” Sickmann
In recognition of Veterans Day, Pryor High School students hosted an assembly to honor the veterans within our Tiger community.
Students led the event, expressing their gratitude through music and ceremony. Setting a tone of reverence and respect, the PHS Choir opened with moving performances of the National Anthem and Thank You Soldiers,
Keynote speaker Sergeant Rodney “Rocky” Sickmann, a highly decorated U.S. Marine veteran and survivor of the Iran Hostage Crisis, shared a powerful message with students and guests. Sickmann was one of 66 Americans inside the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, when it was seized by protestors, and one of 52 who were held hostage for 444 days. He recounted his harrowing experience, including spending the first 30 days tied to a chair and being isolated from the outside world for the entirety of his captivity.
Sickmann also spoke of the courage of the U.S. special forces members who lost their lives during the April 25, 1980, rescue attempt, reminding students that these men “gave all for their fellow Americans.” His message encouraged students to remain courageous and positive, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Following his address, the PHS Band performed the Armed Forces Medley, featuring service anthems such as The Marines’ Hymn (Marine Corps), Anchors Aweigh (Navy), The Caissons Go Rolling Along (Army), and The Wild Blue Yonder (Air Force). As each anthem played, community veterans from the corresponding branch stood to be recognized for their service.
Pryor High School extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have served and to those who continue to defend our freedom.