On Thursday, I attended a Veterans Day assembly at our local Middle School. Having served for six years as a naval officer during the first Gulf War and as a current member of the Board of Education for this middle school I thought it would be a good idea to see what the program entailed.
The school’s string ensemble played patriotic music periodically, which in my opinion was simply outstanding. These were sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. I won’t get on my soapbox about the value of musical education within public education but I will say that I am very proud that our school district has high quality programs and significant student participation.
All of the student council presidents gave short speeches about the meaning of veteran’s day to them. Listening to one of them made me choke up because he reminded the audience that people tend to forget what other family members, the spouses, children, parents, grandparents and other friends and loved ones, go through when their loved ones are away and in harms way. I would be willing to bet that most of our service members are more concerned about the well being of their loved ones than the perils they face themselves. I think there should be a day dedicated to veteran’s families.
While I am proud of my military service I have never really considered myself a veteran. My image of a veteran until this day has been someone who has served in the great world wars, Korea and Vietnam. But on this day, the keynote speaker, a young second lieutenant that had recently served in Afghanistan made me reflect on this image. Age has nothing to do with being a veteran. Service and sacrifice does.
Overall, this assembly was a great event for both the students and local veterans. I am proud to be part of community and school district that takes the time and effort to put such events together.
I would like to thank all veterans and their families and for their service and sacrifices. The world is a better place because of you.
Finally, there is an excellent video in our blog archive that outlines a new gesture and movement that has been created to thank our service members when you see them. Click Here to watch . You won’t regret it!
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed