Paton-Churdan students, teachers, area veterans and about 100 members of the community gathered for the annual Veterans Day program Monday morning at the school.
All grades participated, from the kindergartners, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, to the high school band and choir. First and second graders gave the veterans handmade thank you cards, while other students read poems and letters or presented information. The third graders even remembered to thank the families of veterans for supporting their soldiers.
Principal Annie Smith was special speaker. “I feel very fortunate to live in a community that places such great importance on honoring our military services. Each year, we’re known for this wonderful assembly. We have a beautiful memorial in Freedom Park, and terrific role models in our community. For the students at Paton-Churdan, it’s very important that you understand just how lucky you are to live here,” Smith said.
She told of the sacrifices her grandfather, Jerry Kennedy, had made as a Marine during the Korean War. She told of stories she had heard, but said she didn’t really listen to the stories until she was able to read letters he had sent home during his service. “It wasn’t until I read them that I came to understand what a hero he is,” she said, telling how he was injured and spent three months in a military hospital before he turned 21. “He was not even 21 years old, and he had lived more life than many of us here today,” she said.
She reminded students to listen to the stories of military service. “Listen to the stories. Listen in history class, and listen to the wonderful role models in our community. You are special, to have such heroes in your presence. Each person has a story that, if you are lucky, and if you listen, you can be part of it, too,” Smith said.
Community members Amanda Helms and Renaye Lindgren also provided special music. The program ended with the dedication of a new flag for the school and “Taps.”
