School Honors Veterans with Heartwarming Celebration
OXFORD — C.E. Hanna Elementary School in Oxford, USA, recently organized a heartwarming celebration to honor veterans on Veterans Day. The students at the school showed their respect and gratitude to the veterans for their sacrifices by giving them a standing ovation upon their entry into the gymnasium. Although many of the students may not fully comprehend the extent of the veterans’ sacrifices, they were eager to learn and appreciate their heroes.
The celebration began with the student group Jacket Sensations singing the national anthem and America the Beautiful after the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The music continued to play a significant role as the traditional medley of Armed Forces songs filled the air. The students synchronized their applause as each military branch was recognized, and the veterans who had served in those branches stood proudly.
Megan Thomas, a student at C.E. Hanna Elementary School, highlighted the importance of the celebration. She expressed, Today, we have gathered to celebrate and pay tribute to those who have served and protected our country. These brave men and women have sacrificed so much of their own lives in an effort to defend our country. We owe these people more than we could ever pay.
The event also featured a video in which several students shared their views on why veterans deserve to be called heroes. One student emphasized, They went through the worst things so we could have freedom.
Sgt. Peter M. Caron Jr., a veteran who served in the Marines for ten years and currently serves in the Army Reserves, was present as a special guest. Principal Brian MacRae introduced Sgt. Caron, who expressed his appreciation on behalf of all the veterans for the honor shown by the school’s students.
Caron shared his personal connection to Veterans Day, revealing that he comes from a family with a long lineage of veterans, dating back to World War I. He also described how being part of the military and living in different countries made him appreciate the rights and freedoms enjoyed in America. Caron defined patriotism as saying the Pledge of Allegiance and understanding the history of the world to recognize what makes the country special.
Caron’s decision to join the Marines was driven by his desire to ensure his friends returned home safely. He stated, The reason I wanted to join was not to go fight people. It was because I had friends who were going out there to do the same thing and I wanted to make sure they came home with me.
The heartwarming celebration at C.E. Hanna Elementary School exemplified the gratitude and respect the students have for the nation’s veterans. It served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave men and women to protect the country and preserve the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.
