Central Elementary School students, staff, and guests gathered for the school’s annual Veterans Day program, honoring those who have served in the United States military through patriotic music, student presentations, and messages about the importance of freedom and service.
Principal Daniel Lee, who described the Veterans Day celebration as his favorite program of the school year, welcomed those in attendance alongside Mrs. Lovitt.
The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by members of the Youth Challenge Program, followed by the national anthem. Student Braxton Chelette led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Jonathan Lee led the Dragon Pledge, the school’s pledge of excellence.
Veterans in attendance were recognized according to their branches of military service. One of the highlights of the program was the Armed Forces Medley, during which veterans stood as the song representing their respective branch was played. The tradition provided an opportunity for students and guests to acknowledge the service and sacrifices of the men and women in attendance.
Fifth-grader Braylee Simmons also participated in the ceremony, reading her winning Veterans Day essay.
Guest speaker Keith Adcock, who served as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy and was later assigned to minister to members of the Marine Corps, spoke to students about military service, the responsibilities of a chaplain, and the freedoms Americans enjoy.
Adcock explained that military chaplains provide spiritual guidance and support to service members, often accompanying them through some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives.
“I would love them and minister to them and preach to them, and it was a wonderful honor to do that, to be with them during times of peace and also during times of war, when the soldiers and the marines and the sailors and the airmen would have to go out and defend our country.”
He also spoke about the reasons men and women choose to serve in the armed forces, emphasizing their commitment to protecting the freedoms that Americans sometimes take for granted.
“We want you to be free. We want you to be able to not be afraid, because I have been places where the children were afraid because they did not live free. We live in a country where we don’t have to be afraid, where we are free to live the way we want to live and to worship God the way we want to worship God. That is a beautiful thing.”
Adcock encouraged students to show their appreciation whenever they encounter a veteran or active-duty service member. He explained that many veterans can be recognized by the military caps they wear, often displaying the branch of service or military unit in which they served.
He urged the children to take a moment to thank these individuals for their service and for helping preserve the freedoms they enjoy.
Following Adcock’s remarks, Lee reflected on his own knowledge of world history and the advantages of living in the United States. He echoed the speaker’s message, noting that veterans who have experienced life in other parts of the world can offer valuable perspectives on the freedoms Americans enjoy.
“As Mr. Adcock said, if you were born in America, you won at the lottery of life … everyday you get to wake up in this country is a blessing.”
Lee emphasized that Veterans Day provides an important opportunity to recognize those who have helped protect those blessings.
“This is one of those days we want to make sure to remember that.”
The principal then personally recognized each veteran and service member in attendance, calling them by name so students, staff, and guests could acknowledge their service.
Students concluded the program with a performance of “Red, White, and Blue,” bringing the patriotic celebration to a close.
A reception followed, providing an opportunity for veterans, guests, and school personnel to visit following the ceremony.
The annual event gave Central Elementary students an opportunity to learn about military service while expressing their appreciation to the veterans in their community.
