By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
With patriotic band music playing and a sea of more than 400 American flags waving, the veterans marched into the auditorium. Some rather slowy, with canes. Some in uniform. All with dignity.
One by one, they walked to the microphone, introduced themselves and gave shout-outs to the student audience members who invited them to the Veterans Day program. And one by one, the children, grandchildren or neighbors who brought the soldiers to the program, stood up, beaming with pride.
“It melted my heart,” Mike Meeker, an Army veteran, said after the program as he hugged his daughter, Jasmine. “It means a lot.”
Meeker was one of nearly 70 veterans honored during the annual Veterans Day program hosted by Kenwood Elementary on Thursday.
“It was nice to have the recognition of my service,” Navy veteran Jeremy Prisk said as he reunited with his children in the lobby. “It was nice that my children got to take part.”
Army veteran Chad Smith agreed. “It’s a really good celebration of a lot of hard work. It’s good to know that people still celebrate this.”
A student waves flag during Veterans Day program.
Retired Kenwood teacher Kent McClary introduced the veterans before they paraded in.
“These are the people, men and women, who when called to duty for their country, they all went,” he said. These were the fortunate ones who made it home, he reminded the children. “They all gave of themselves. They all love their country.”
McClary spoke of the value of military service members.
“We’ve needed help to maintain our freedom. When we needed them, they were there,” he said.
“I’m surrounded by heroes,” McClary said as he looked at the stage full of veterans. “It’s a great honor to have you here today.”
To show their appreciation, the kindergartners sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and the band and all the students performed an armed forces medley of songs for Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Army.
A few students went to the podium, climbed up a step stool, and read poems or stories for the veterans.
One read a letter to a World War II nurse. “I’m inspired by your courage. Your courage helped us be free,” the student said. “It allows kids like me to go to school and be happy. Thanks for helping girls like me to be free to live my dream.”
Children thanked the veterans for keeping America free, so they can vote, go to church, express themselves, and watch TV.
“Even though you may not know me, I’m grateful for your service,” one student told the veterans.
Jillian Roberts presents a reading about veterans.
Another student told of a grandfather landing on the beaches of Normandy, and another about the horrors of war.
“Veterans never stop serving, even when they come home,” a fifth grader said. “They carry their memories.”
Kenwood Principal Kathleen Daney said the annual program is important for the students.
“They learn about veterans, the importance of veterans, and honor them,” Daney said. “We really need this.”
One of the veterans asked for a few moments to speak to the entire student body. He was wearing a T-shirt saying, “All gave some. Some gave all.” He asked teachers and parents to explain the message to the children.
“We were the fortunate ones to come back,” he told the students.
Alyssa Roberts reads to the stage full of veterans.
