From: Walter Stoll [mailto:xkernal@earthlink.net]
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 10:10 AM
To: dgrif
Subject: Veterans Day Celebration
This may seem a little long but I just had to pass this on. There are too many negative ideas about
our young people and how they feel about their country and those who helped preserve it in the news.
Now let me tell you about yesterday.
I attended a Veterans Day Celebration by invitation at a High School in the East Texas town of Emory yesterday and was astonished by what transpired, veterans who were invited were encouraged if they could or would wear their uniforms and I did wearing my old Air Force full dress uniform and it was received with a great deal of respect and admiration.
Let me relate exactly what happened.
First there was a Social Reception in the school Library for veterans and their families and friends.
Coffee, juice and sweet rolls or cookies served by teachers and students. Next there was a sign in table where Name Tags were issued along with a red, white and blue memorial shaped ribbon,
you've seen the one Support Our Troops.
Then although JoAnn had to push me down the hall to the Gym, in my wheel chair, becauseI I can no longer walk very far, I was surprised at the number of visitors, students and veterans who were present. The place was jammed and it is a large Gym with bleacher seats surrounding what is the basketball court. They also had rows of chairs on the court itself where I was able to sit in my chair to get a good view.
First The school Principal welcomed everyone. Then the school Superintendent spoke about the Meaning of Veterans Day. Next the colors were posted with everyone standing and saluting.The colors included the US flag, State flag and each branch of service's flag and the MIA/POW flag.
Next the state honored school Band played each service song and as their service song was played veterans of that service were asked to stand.
The US Pledge of Allegiance was led by an Eagle Scout to include "Under GOD".
Then the National Anthem was sung accompanied by the Band softly.
Veterans were asked to stand by Conflict. WWII, Korea, VietNam and all those since then to the
present conflict.
Then by those who saw combat.
There was a table to the left of the Gym where there was a candle for each branch of service as well as one for widows Each one was solemnly lit by a member of that service and a widow.
Then to the right there was a table with a single candle to honor MIA/POW's Lit by ex-POW.
I might add that after the solemn portion of each presentation the entire audience rose and applauded loudly and enthusiastically.
The band then played "Our America"
A guest Speaker then recounted with video and audio clips on a large screen with quotes from
Washington, Franklin, Jefferson and others on how our founding fathers related to GOD in the
formation of this nation and HIS influence on their actions. The ACLU would have lost their minds.
Then a local Baptist Church (Praise and Drama Team) using white rods demonstrated the meaning of the US Pledge including acts of combat and the formation of crosses above simulated graves. So very touching . Again the ACLU would have flipped all this in and on school grounds.
Then a recitation by a student "I'm Proud to be an American"
Next a Moment of Silence for the US Troops stationed worldwide.
Then a single bugler played TAPS
And the there was a Benediction.
JoAnn and I were proud to have been there and I have to admit that on several occasions I broke down and cried. It gave me great pride to see the respect and honor afforded our country and to realize that in some corners of the country Patriotism is not a dirty or despised word.
Walter Stoll
xkernal@earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.
