DALTON, Ga. — Standing in front of students at Westwood School, Dalton Police Department officer Bart Chandler told them “This isn’t the first uniform I’ve worn.”

“I’m a police officer and I’ve been wearing this uniform for 17 years,” said Chandler, the School Resource Officer at Dalton High School. “I’ve also worn a firefighter and Army uniform.”

Chandler was the guest speaker at the school’s annual Veterans Day assembly Friday morning in advance of the holiday on Monday. He served in the Army from 1998 to 2005 and in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004.  

“I wore my military uniform right out of high school,” he said. “The patience and perseverance it takes to wear this uniform is what makes me get up every day.”

Chandler told students that uniforms show people who the person wearing it is and what they do. 

“I can tell you from first-hand experience that courage and bravery is usually a once-in-a-lifetime event,” he said. “It is something that occurs whenever a miraculous moment happens and you do the right thing.”

More than 30 veterans attended the assembly. 

Chandler spoke to students about four values: duty, honor, courage and integrity. 

“You’re not born with courage, it’s something that happens,” he said. “It’s something that happens when you chose to do the right thing, in class, playground or home.” 

Chandler said people think if you’re brave you don’t get scared. 

“If someone tells you they are never afraid they not telling the truth,” he said. “Everybody gets scared, what you do with that and how you approach fear, whether you run from or confront it, that’s what makes you who you are and courageous.”

 Stephen Gregg, a fourth-grade teacher, thanked veterans for attending. 

“Your presence here is shaping students’ minds for the future,” he said. “As you came down the hallway and saw presentations students made, know that today we wanted to be ready for you.”

The assembly included the presentation of colors by veterans from Dalton American Legion Post 112, singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and a salute to each branch of the military by playing the branch’s song as the veterans stood. Fifth-graders Will Beckler, Charles Chappelle, Noah Maddox and Valeria Ferreira-Ponce read patriotic poems. 

Army veteran Stan Crawford of Dalton attended the assembly with his wife and grandchildren, fourth-grader Arrie Hope and fifth-grader Steven Crawford.

Stan Crawford said he enjoys not only Westwood’s program, but all the celebrations in the country. 

“It’s something that could go unnoticed, but I’m glad they recognize us,” he said.