The Peebles Elementary School hosted its annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Several local veterans joined the staff and students in a patriotic ceremony recognizing the sacrifices made by those who have served in America’s armed forces.
PES Principal Amanda Lamb told those assembled, “We’re here today to honor our heroes, to remember their achievements, their demonstration of courage and soul as well as their dedication, and to say thank you for their sacrifices. Thinking of the heroes who join us in this group today and those who are here only in spirit, a person can’t help but feel awed by the enormity of what we encounter. We sit in the midst of patriots and the family and friends of those who have nobly served.”
The Girl Scouts and Scout Leader, Charissa McGlothin led the assembly in the Presentation of the Flags and in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
The Peebles High School Band performed for the event and students sang a variety of patriotic songs.
The Kindergarten and First Grade students performed “Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue,” the second and third grades performed “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and the fourth, fifth, and sixth graders sang “God Bless America.”
WWII veteran Henry Robertson was the guest speaker. He spoke about the importance of service and the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces and their families so that others can be free.
Veterans attending the event were recognized for their service: Army: Daniel Johnson 1969-71, John Dykes 1979-82, Jerry Johnson 1966-68, Brandon Swayne 2012-13, Shawn Hudgel 1989-94, Rick Cunningham 1966-1993, Brent Cadwallader 1989-93, Bryan Hanes 2010-11, Harold Grooms 1965-67, Tina Boyd 1989-1994, Henry Robertson 1945-1948; Air Force: Larry Mitchell 1955-85, Larry Nichols 1975-79, Richard Hoop 1950-54; Rick Shiveley 1974-1981, Jack Carter 1969-75, Bill Nichols 1965-1968, Christy Garrison 1995-2003, Colin Klump; Navy: Michael Pendell, Wayne Hutchinson 1965-69; US Marine Corp: Denny Rosenhoffer 1968-70, and Gerold E. Culberson 1966-69.
Principal Lamb closed the ceremony by telling those assembled,”Your presence here today and that of the people gathering all across America is a tribute to lost troops and their families. It is a way to say we remember. From the soldiers who shivered and starved through the winter at Valley Forge to the dough boys crouched in the muddy trenches of France to the platoon who patrolled the hazy jungles of Vietnam and the young man or woman patrolling the mountains of Afghanistan, we remember and honor them all.”
Following the assembly the veterans walked through the elementary school for a meet and greet with students who lined the corridor walls.
