County students lead honors to veterans

Washington County Middle School students presented special programs for the 2007 Veterans Day observance.

Vernon Middle School

Students held their observance on Friday, Nov. 9. More than 20 veterans attended the 1 p.m. program which included a letter from the man who had been guest speaker at the 2006 observance.

“Last year I spoke about the history of Veterans Day (Armistice Day), and what/who a Veteran is, and my experiences while serving as a U.S. Marine,” wrote Raymond E. Taylor, who is once again serving in battle. He says he was called to active duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism and is now serving as commanding officer of F Battery, an artillery rocket unit, in Iraq.

Lt. Col. Taylor says his unit is made up of young men, most of them under the age of 24. “Seventeen of my Marines are full-time college students,” he added, “I have one Marine who is 51, who came into the Marine Corps in the 1970s when our country was in a cold war with the Soviet Union.” All of the men of Battery F have taken a year out of school or career, away from family and community to serve their country.

Although his men hail from four different states and the officers are from three others, “We all are a team serving under one flag, representing an indivisible nation.” Taylor explained.

Taylor wrote that he had told the students last year about how being a veteran resulted in sacrifice. “Early this year, one of my Marines gave the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in a roadside bomb attack.”

Vernon High School JROTC posted the colors for the program which began with a welcome by Principal Chris Beard and Kim Register, assistant principal.

Alana Hearn read “The Purpose of Veterans Day,” She said it is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military - in wartime and peace time. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

Larissa McDonald read “Proper Conduct for Our Pledge,” telling the audience made up of classmates and parents, that the pledge should be rendered by standing at attention and facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. If not in uniform, a person should remove his or her hat with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, with the hand over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag and render the military salute.

Carolyn Poppell told of proper conduct for the National Anthem, and Autumn Basinger, an eighth-grader, led the anthem.

Peggy Adams, eighth-grade language arts teacher, read the letter from Raymond Taylor, and Corey Givens read a Thank You to our Servicemen.

Following a musical tribute by the choir led by Aubrey Herndon, the seventh-grade language arts teacher, Margaret Coleman, introduced the veterans by walking among them with a microphone.

A slide show was presented by Sgt. Michael Browning, veteran of Operation Desert Storm and the US Marine Corp. He showed photos he had taken during his time in Kuwait and Iraq.

The choir sang several patriotic songs, ending with everyone joining in “God Bless America.”

Refreshments were served in the school cafeteria following the program.

Roulhac Middle School

and Chipley High School

Students in both units saluted area veterans on Monday, Nov. 12, with a program featuring the RMS band.

Roulhac’s assembly began at 8:30 a.m. with Chipley JROTC presenting the colors. A similar assembly was held for C

HS students at 9:30.

Holly Cutts led the Pledge of Allegiance and the band directed by Allan Williams played the Star Spangled Banner.

Luke Hinson, president of the RMS student council, and Jenna Corbin, vice president presented the history of Veterans Day.

“Many of us take a moment on Nov. 11 to remember the veterans who fought for our country. But do you know the history behind this day of remembrance, asked Luke. “In 1918, WWI ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and the entire world celebrated.

“An armistice, which is a truce, was signed declaring the war to end all wars was finally over,” he added. “On Nov. 11 of the next year, the U.S. called the day Armistice Day. Surviving soldiers marched in parades in their hometowns, speeches were given and ceremonies gave thanks for the peace that had been won.”

“Sadly, WWI wasn’t the last war,” Jenna remarked. “WWII began, and Armistice Day was suspended. After seven long years of battle, WWII ended and our day to honor the soldiers who had fought in wars was changed to Veterans Day.

“Veterans Day ceremonies occur all over the world just like this one today,” Corbin explained. “Remember, at the 11th hour of the day, take a moment of silence to remember those who have fought and died to preserve our freedom and protection.”

After a band number, WINGS students from Kathleen Nelson’s room displayed a large memorial flag they had constructed. The band played “This is My Country,” and “America the Beautiful” before Ashlyn Jeffries talked about Arlington.

The program was completed with taps by a band student.

RMS Principal Mike Park recognized students who have family members serving overseas and asked each of the honored veterans to identify themselves as they walked across the staging area. The veterans moved outdoors to form a long reception line and students shook their hands as they filed out of the building to return to class.

The program thanked the veterans who joined the students for the day’s celebration of their contributions to our country. “We are indebted to you for your sacrifices which you have made so that we may live in a free country,” it read.

Lt. Col. Taylor’s letter said “people can honor veterans with a simple thank you and having an appreciation (understanding) for their service.”

The two middle schools did that, giving them a round of applause, and in some cases, a standing ovation.

Photos under Photo Galleries