Grover Elementary students celebrate, honor veterans
The Grover Elementary School students filed into the gym single file, each wearing a hat decorated like an American flag and holding a sign that read “Thank you for your service.”
The students honored local veterans during a special ceremony Wednesday in honor of Veterans Day.
The children led the crowd of veterans in the pledge of allegiance and everyone stood, hands over hearts, as the Star Spangled Banner reverberated through the gym.
The kids in grades pre-k to fifth sang patriotic songs to the audience of friends, family and past and current military members.
Assistant Principal Charlene Petty had a microphone passed around and each person who served said their name and where they served. Many were in the Army and Marine Corps. There were several Vietnam veterans. Some spent four years serving while others spent more than 30 years in the military.
“We’re only here because of you and what you did for your country,” Petty said.
Each branch of the military was recognized, and those who served stood and were applauded.
School counselor Wendy Lemons said over the past few weeks, the students have learned about the five branches of the military, how Veterans Day used to be called Armistice Day and what that meant, the difference between Memorial and Veterans days and more.
“Grover students have a better understanding of why we celebrate Veterans Day and the sacrifices made,” she said.
She quoted Ronald Reagan, who said veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom.
Petty said Veterans Day isn’t just about honoring past soldiers but those who are fighting for their country today. She said it is important to celebrate them in times of peace and war.
“Veterans protect our democracy, our freedom and our way of life,” she said.
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Grover Elementary students celebrate, honor veterans
