Jefferson Elementary School Students Thank Local Veterans
Veteran Dawn Wright of the 278th Armored Calvary Regiment, New Tazewell – Staff Photo by Jacquelyn Muncy
“Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veteran’s Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an endearing peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
November 11, 2013, Jefferson Elementary School upheld this tradition set by President Eisenhower in 1954 by honoring veterans with free breakfast and a presentation by the third graders. Directed by teacher, Patti Clement, students dressed up in red, white, and blue and gave a history of the wars along with songs such as God Bless America, America the Beautiful, and the National Anthem.
Along with the show and breakfast, veterans were honored with thank you cards made by students of Mrs. Kara Campbell, Mrs. Patti Clement, Mrs. Lisa Gibson, Ms. Karla Mills, and Ms. Sandra Muncy’s class. Veteran Dawn Wright of the 278th Armored Calvary Regiment out of New Tazewell was in attendance on Monday as her children participated in the special production. The proud mom returned from Afghanistan last year and said that she “really enjoyed the show and is glad to be home.” After breakfast was served, pupil Jaden Cassell presented lucky winner Don Kimmons with a basket donated by The Fresh Market.
The third graders, who practiced the program for three weeks, all agreed their performance taught them appreciation for our veterans. It helped them understand the veterans fought and risked their lives for America’s freedom. Student Keaton Gramann said he liked veterans because they “protect and serve us heroically,” and Mekhyle Marshall, whose grandfather is an army veteran, thinks veterans are important because “they fought for us and didn’t stop trying.”
American citizens cannot thank our veterans enough for their heroic sacrifices and their valiant efforts. The program received a standing ovation from those able to stand and left a smile on every veteran’s face.
