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Schools across the county held Veterans Day celebrations on November 11 to honor the men and women in their communities who have served in the United States military.
Many schools invited veterans to attend musical tributes, poetry readings, patriotic skits and receptions to show appreciation for the sacrifices they have made to protect America’s freedom.
Inman Elementary traditionally hosts a parade for local veterans, but this year the school decided to add an hour-long program that was organized by music teacher Patricia Banks and presented by the school’s fifth grade students. The celebration began with the fifth grade students leading the veterans and their families in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a number of musical interludes performed by the fifth graders, and a video presentation of the Inman Elementary veterans related to students and staff members.
Ray Willcocks, commander of the American Legion Post 105 in Fayetteville, was the keynote speaker. He talked about the importance of honoring veterans, especially on Veterans Day, and the significance that the day holds for him.
“I get asked a lot about what Veterans Day means to me. For me, it is a time to remember all of my friends who made it back home alive,” said Willcocks, who served in the Vietnam War.
Following the program, students led the veterans on a parade through the school with students from all grade levels lining the hallways holding banners, waving American flags, and saying “thank you” as the group made its way out to the playground to see a Huey helicopter that flew over the school and landed during the presentation of “Taps.” The helicopter was brought to the school courtesy of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation in Hampton.
After the parade, veterans and their families were treated to a reception that was sponsored by the school’s PTO.
Schools across the county held Veterans Day celebrations on November 11 to honor the men and women in their communities who have served in the United States military.
Many schools invited veterans to attend musical tributes, poetry readings, patriotic skits and receptions to show appreciation for the sacrifices they have made to protect America’s freedom.
Inman Elementary traditionally hosts a parade for local veterans, but this year the school decided to add an hour-long program that was organized by music teacher Patricia Banks and presented by the school’s fifth grade students. The celebration began with the fifth grade students leading the veterans and their families in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a number of musical interludes performed by the fifth graders, and a video presentation of the Inman Elementary veterans related to students and staff members.
Ray Willcocks, commander of the American Legion Post 105 in Fayetteville, was the keynote speaker. He talked about the importance of honoring veterans, especially on Veterans Day, and the significance that the day holds for him.
“I get asked a lot about what Veterans Day means to me. For me, it is a time to remember all of my friends who made it back home alive,” said Willcocks, who served in the Vietnam War.
Following the program, students led the veterans on a parade through the school with students from all grade levels lining the hallways holding banners, waving American flags, and saying “thank you” as the group made its way out to the playground to see a Huey helicopter that flew over the school and landed during the presentation of “Taps.” The helicopter was brought to the school courtesy of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation in Hampton.
After the parade, veterans and their families were treated to a reception that was sponsored by the school’s PTO.
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