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Veterans Day at McKenzie
Elementary School
Children Thank Heroes of Today and Yesterday
 The
sound of some 530 children's voices resonating in the
Pledge of Allegiance was a reminder to Veterans
attending the Veterans Day Program at McKenzie
Elementary School on Tuesday of the reason men and women
serve their country in military service. The children's
enthusiasm and sweet innocence is reason enough to risk
life and limb that this country remains free.
After the posting of the colors by members of the
McKenzie National Guard, the assembly was led in singing
"The Star Spangled Banner" by first grader Mitchell Lunn.
Freedom was the topic of several winning essays read
aloud by Guidance Counselor Beckie Smith. Essay winners
included Elena Spradlin, Robert Taylor, Katlin Haywood
and Briana Buckley. "America is a great place to live,"
they agreed. Briana's composition stated she was scared
after 9-11, but that she feels safer now because of the
soldiers who are fighting against terrorism.
Guest speaker Phil Williams - Mayor of McLemoresville,
owner of Williams Furniture Co. and himself a Vietnam
veteran - explained the concept of hero may be hard for
children to understand since so many of the heroes of
former wars are now "old, fat, bald or in the hospital."
Veterans are "ordinary yet extraordinary" human beings,
he told the children. They are "the finest, greatest
testimony of the finest, greatest country on Earth."
Because of their sacrifices, he said, everyone should
say "thank you" to veterans.
Mrs. Pat Forgy, in timeless energy and enthusiasm,
guided the extra-talented Little Rebel Singers in songs
that emphasized humanity: "I'd like to Teach the World
to Sing" and "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)"
which featured soloist Morgan Mann.
Their final number, "American Tears", Ms. Forgy stated,
was written following 9-11. Soloist Chase Gunter set the
stage for the song with a verse that epitomized American
soldier-heroes as people who "did what they had to do
with the strength to act through their fears." He was
followed by soloist Matt Warren who sang about America's
future and past and the blessing of living in liberty in
a "land where freedom will last for heroes, for
patriots, for soldiers and for all the pioneers." The
Little Rebel Singers finished the song together in a
very moving tribute to America and her heroes.
Guests were treated to a special reception after the
program where they enjoyed an American Flag-decorated
cake and drinks as well as the hospitality of the
gracious staff of McKenzie Elementary School.
While the event most assuredly met Principal Richard
Davey's expectations that each child leave "knowing
exactly what a veteran is and how much appreciation we
should show them", every veteran also left in
appreciation of school officials and teachers who care
enough to honor the veteran in such an awesome way as
each school in the McKenzie Special School District does
each year.
Huntingdon, Hollow Rock Bruceton Honor
Veterans
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By Pat Cole
pcole@mckenziebanner.com |
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Huntingdon Middle School,
Huntingdon High School and Hollow Rock-Bruceton all
honored veterans during the morning hours last Tuesday,
November 11. Each school recognized those veterans that
attended, the conflict in which they served and the
branch of service they joined as they fought for the
freedom of all Americans.
Each school’s band played
patriotic music and their chorus’ sang patriotic songs
as part of the recognition services.
Huntingdon Middle School heard
from Walt Montgomery, Huntingdon High School heard from
Mr. James C. Harding and Hollow Rock-Bruceton heard from
Quentell Osbron. Each entertained students with stories
of their years in service.
Color Guards were also present
for each of the two high school services.
Students were reminded of the
significance of Veterans Day and the reasons for
honoring those who have served the United States in the
many conflicts throughout history.
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McKenzie, West
Carroll Schools Salute Veterans
By Jim Steele
steele@mckenziebanner.com |
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Those who have valiantly served this country, whether
in time of war or peace, were honored by several
programs throughout Carroll County on Veterans Day.
Programs at McKenzie Middle School, McKenzie High School
and West Carroll School saluted the efforts of those who
gave of themselves so that this nation might maintain
its freedom.
At McKenzie Middle School, several local veterans were
recognized with gratitude at a ceremony Tuesday morning.
Kelsey Cooper began the day with her rendition of the
National Anthem. The chorus sang patriotic tunes, such
as, "This Land is Your Land," "America the Beautiful,"
and "God Bless the U.S.A." A bell choir chimed out "God
Bless America". Many students delivered speeches to the
gathering of parents, students, faculty and veterans,
signifying the historical significance of Veterans Day.
Each veteran stood as his or her name was read and they,
collectively, received a standing ovation from the
students.
Later, at McKenzie High School, local veterans were
honored by students with song and speech. Kimberly
Gaskins opened the event with the National Anthem. Amber
King served as emcee; John Craig Howell offered words of
praise and thanks to the veterans; Hunter Downing, the
Voice of Democracy winner from MHS, delivered his
address to the students, admonishing them to be inspired
by the veterans' servitude and to give of themselves
back to the community. Downing mused what miracles could
be worked if every citizen contributed a bit to worthy
causes, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for
example. Downing said that American veterans have
inspired him to be charitable.
Brittany Washburn, Laura Purtteman and Bethany Ellis
each sang patriot songs and medleys and the McKenzie
Band played a collection of tunes appropriate for the
day.
McKenzie Mayor Walter Winchester tendered his
reflections of his time in the military and encouraged
students to express thanks to the veterans for their
part in keeping America free. Winchester served in the
U.S. Air Force and later helped coordinate recreation
for the military. His service to the country has taken
him all over the world.
At the conclusion of the program, the McKenzie VFW post
commenced its ceremony honoring fallen veterans. Tom
Nolen officiated over the event as veterans placed red,
white and blue carnations on a table, followed by a
wreath, symbolizing their heroism and sacrifice.
A ceremony at West Carroll High School featured the West
Carroll Angels, as they sang the National Anthem and a
number of patriotic pieces. West Carroll Junior High SGA
president Brianna Harmon served as the emcee and spoke
of how it is the veteran, not the preacher, the
politician, the lawyer or reporter that preserves and
ensures our freedom.
McKenzie businessman Phil Williams offered inspirational
words about military service and sacrifice before
closing with a poem.
West Carroll principal Lex Suite encouraged the student
body to come down from the bleachers in the final
minutes before the dismissal bell rang to greet and get
to know the veterans, and to offer thanks.
Hundreds of students streamed out of the bleachers to
engage the former servicemen in an outpouring of
support. |
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