Veterans Day Program

[Gentleman Jack Daniels]

This morning I had an inspiring and uplifting experience I thought I would tell you about. I was invited along with other veterans to attend a Veterans Day program at my 3rd grade grandson's elementary school.

 

When we arrived we were met at the front door by students who opened the doors for us and thanked us for our service. We were then escorted to the media room for a short reception with refreshments of fruit, muffins and assorted pastries coffee and punch. As we were walking the halls to the media room there were teachers here and there who all shook our hands and thanked us for our service. The students joined their guests at the reception then after an uplifting speech from one of the school principals were lined up and were led to the auditorium/gymnasium where all the veterans were seated as guests of honor on the stage, and all the students K thru 5th grade sat on the floor of the gym.

 

We were then treated to an uplifting Patriotic program including music from the 5th grade choir, speeches by the 2 school principals, presentation of the colors by the local VFW, a talk by a representative of the local National Guard (in dress blues), and a short commentary from each of the VFW color guard reps telling where and when they served. In addition to My Country Tis of Thee, the Star Spangled Banner, and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance the choir sang American Tears and did an excellent job.

 

Also on several occasions the all of the students were asked to stand and applaud and say the "two words" Thank You to all the vets.

 

I don't know how many other places across the country, similar things are happened but I understand this is the 3rd or 4th one that has been done in Monticello, Mn. I will definitely be in attendance again next year, god willing. I should also mention that we were told that the teachers paid for all the refreshment, OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKETS.

 

After the program we each went with our student to their individual classrooms and tell a little about where and when we served and then answer a few questions from the class.

 

Just thought maybe some of you would like to hear about this. There were some of the guys in uniform as we were asked to come in uniform if we could, even some old guys like me, although not very many as you might expect. In my case it gave cause for reflection as I weighed 172 lbs when discharged and 222 last month for my checkup at the VA. Alarming, but what the heck 50 lbs in 49 years that's only a pound a year...... GJD

[Utah Bob #35998]

We had a concert at the Dolores County High School yesterday. (There's no school on Fridays here)

The 2nd graders did an excellent Star Spangled banner.

The 3rd graders did a song about the Marine Corps.

The rendition of The Ballad of the Green Berets" that the 4th graders did brought a tear to my eye.

 

All the towns veterans were invited. About 30 were there. Usually they have the vets talk to the kids. This year they said all we had to do was sit and listen. After the concert all the kids came by in a line to shake hands with all the vets. Folks were impressed that my jungle fatigues still fit. Alas I had to admit they're replacements. The old ones don't quite button anymore.

There's a parade down in Cortez today but I've got some things to do around the house.

Have a nice day all you ole vets, and you young ones (like me) too.

[Smoken D]

Veterans Day in the small town of Warsaw, Missouri.

The High School has all vets come in the morning. They have seniors direct us to park up front. Then a few seniors have the door open for us and once inside the students greet us and escort us to a table in the gym. Once seated the seniors serve us coffee and then bring in breakfast. Eggs, sausage, biscuts & gravey, orange juice. Once meal is done all students come in and the American Legion present the colors and everyone resites the Pledge of Allegiance. The High school band plays God Bless America followed by some songs. The featured speaker, Mrs. Laura Smith, Navy veteran and 3rd grade Teacher gives her speach to the school and vets. The National Anthem is played and then the choir sings the Salute to Armed Forces where vets stand during the singing of their branch anthem. The closing remarks by National Honor society President Brandon Roellig to thank all Vets. The autorium was full and somewhere around 120 vets present. Now that is a United States of America Veterans Day!

[Lone Dog, SASS #20401]

We started last week with programs at Lamar and Wilson elementaries. Veteran's Day morning started with a program 16 miles south in Lefors America.

 

Back to Pampa (pop est 15,000) for the 13th annual Veteran's Day Program presented by the Travis Tigers elementary (my alma mater). Not a dry eye in the house. Over 400 kids from Kindergarden to 5th grade sang their hearts out and showed their patriotism. These precious little Americans have been taught well where there Freedom comes from.

 

Our ladies auxiliary surprise us with a 5 foot tall bronze Soldier's Cross. It is absolutely magnificent. Back to the Post for supper. We and the auxiliary fed I'm guessing 300 or so vets and their families.

 

It was a great day in America.