On November 11, 2015, I had the honor of directing Woodlake Elementary School’s tribute to our nation’s veterans. For our program, we had over sixty veterans in attendance. We began with the entire school singing “America”. This was followed by our principal, Ms. Lelia Parker, speaking words of welcome to our special guests. Next, our third grade students explained what it means to be a veteran. Then, the audience listened to the “Salute to the Armed Forces”. Our honored visitors stood when the anthem for their branch of the military was played. At the same time, third grade students displayed the military flags. Following the salute, first grade students shared a poem about our nation’s veterans, and they sang “On Veterans Day”. I saw many audience members, wiping away tears as the students sang the words, “Because of you we have our freedom. We honor you on Veterans Day.”
Ms. Parker then expressed her gratitude to veterans, and she introduced each of our esteemed guests. These American heroes were also the fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, and grandfathers, grandmothers, and great-grandfathers of our little Pelicans. Ms. Parker asked the students to also stand as we recognized their family members for their service. The most touching moments occurred when we acknowledged the students that have family members that are currently deployed.
We ended the program with everyone singing Lee Greenwood’s, “God Bless the U.S.A”. As we sang, I knew the Veterans could feel Woodlake Elementary School’s pride and gratitude for their great service.
The song, “On Veterans Day”, can be found on the following website: http://www.musick8.com/
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