The auditorium at Stanton Elementary School was filled with words and song during the annual Veterans Day assembly on Nov. 11.
Students joined veterans as well as family, school and community members to reflect upon the efforts of all military personnel, past and present, who have served both stateside and abroad to protect our freedoms. Sixth-grade teacher Mary Ann Hoobler organized the event and welcomed the crowd, recognizing all veterans for their service.
“It’s a source of pride to say the Pledge of Allegience every day,” Hoobler said, noting her thanks to everyone who helped with the program.
She recognized art teacher Ginger Bloomer, whose American Eagle display in the school lobby included paper feathers with messages of thanks from the students, and music teacher Dani Carroll for leading the children in song. The program included a moment of silence for those who did not make it home, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem.
Coloring contest winners were lauded, including first grader Lillyan Polverini, second grader Layla Yost and third-grade student Addilynn Polverini. Sixth-grade pupils Brayden Chapman, Carter Cronin, Seth DiPasquale, Tina Jordan, Nevaeh Cranston and Phillip Jordan provided a history of Veterans Day, speaking of how America had an urgent need and many people fought for freedom and for peace. Additionally, poetry readings were held of “The Noble and The Brave,” by Braylee Taylor, “Thank a Veteran,” by Coalton Rawson and “Veterans Day,” by Gavin Mossor.
There were musical interludes with patriotic songs such as “Remember Flanders Fields” and “Poppies Red” performed by the students and pupil Jocelyn Roberts read the poem, “The Best on Earth.” Hoobler then recognized veterans and told them to stand in front of the stage, where fourth graders then presented them with cards of gratitude.
Fifth-grade student Brooklyn Pelley and sixth-grader Jessup Rawson each read essays on what Veterans Day means to them. Hoobler said Pelley’s grandfather and Rawson’s great-grandfather—both veterans in their own right– were both in attendance and politely declined to take the stage for recognition.
“They said, ‘It’s not about me,’” she added. “That’s what a hero does. A hero doesn’t do it for glory or fame.”
During her speech, Pelley said there were 17.9 million veterans in the U.S. as of September, 2023, and they can be supported by being visited in the hospital or by donating to related organizations.
“We honor veterans because of their dedication to the country,” she added. “Veterans are very dedicated and risk their lives, and they are away from their families for long period of time.”
Rawson stated that veterans saved our country and his now 93-year-old great-grandfather was among the 6,000,000 soldiers who battled on both sides during the Korean War between 1950-53.
“Reading this essay is important because my Pop is my favorite person,” he continued.
She added that her late father was also a veteran who also had attended the assembly and the event was close to her heart.
“This is a very emotional day for me and my family [because] he always attended,” she said. “We honor all of your fathers and grandfathers who aren’t here and we honor all of your family members today. And the freedom to celebrate you, our students, is uniquely American. We have so many freedoms that people don’t realize. We appreciate our veterans. Because of you, we were born free.”
The event concluded with a PowerPoint tribute to the Kid Rock tune, “Born Free.”