Central Elementary School paid tribute to veterans in a heartfelt Veterans Day program held on November 10. The event, organized by the school’s Veterans Day program committee, aimed to honor and appreciate the dedicated service of military personnel.
The ceremony commenced with a solemn Presentation of Colors by cadets from the Youth Challenge Program at Camp Minden. The National Anthem was followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Savannah Kirk, the Dragon Pledge, led by Laramie Daniels, and a prayer, led by Emerson Lee.
Distinguished members of various military services – including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard – were individually acknowledged during an armed forces medley. Each service member was asked to stand as their branch’s anthem played, the moment recognizing their commitment.
The spotlight then shifted to the winners of the 5th grade essay contest, Eastyn Pate and Gracey Reynolds, who expressed the significance of honoring veterans. Pate conveyed, “I will always be grateful for the sacrifices they made for me,” while Reynolds emphasized, “I also honor veterans because they sacrificed time with their families.”
U.S. Army Chaplain Rev. Keith Adcock, the distinguished guest speaker, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the sacrifices made by both veterans and their families. Adcock extended gratitude to the families, acknowledging the hardships they endure during separations from their loved ones.
Addressing the students, Adcock encouraged them to recognize veterans in their community, identifiable by the distinctive caps indicating their branch of service. He urged the students to express gratitude, stating, “Go up to them and tell them ‘thank you for your service, for keeping me free.’”
The program concluded with a rendition of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” performed by 2nd grade students. A reception featuring cake and punch was held afterward to honor the veterans and their families.
Principal Lee expressed gratitude to Ms. Bailey Lovitt, teacher and chair of the Veterans Day program committee, for her outstanding efforts in orchestrating this tribute.
