Otselic Valley students honor local veterans
GEORGETOWN – Students and staff members at the Georgetown Elementary School gathered Wednesday morning to hold their 9th Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Program.
The program – which originally began as a small recognition ceremony followed by coffee and doughnuts nearly a decade ago – has grown into a production of sorts, including vocal performances, poetry readings and a full breakfast for attending veterans.
Honored at this year’s gathering were Jeani Wilcox, Tim Evans, Carl Goodrich and Gordan Kupiec of Georgetown; Bill Mandeville, Logan MacFarland, John Stewart, Jack Conklin, Hugh Comfort and William Waltz of South Otselic; Tom W. King and Tom E. King of Sherburne; Lisa Haitian of Sheds; Joseph Day of Smyrna; Ossie Myers of Otselic; Ron Palmer of Norwich; Ken Sheldon of McDonough and Mike Sheldon of Greene.
The 18 assembled veterans represented nearly every branch of the United States military and each took a brief moment to describe to students their individual military affiliations and where they had served.
Georgetown Elementary fifth and sixth grade science teacher Judith Smith said the annual event is all about honoring and showing respect to area veterans, in addition to the educational value it holds for students.
Smith added she believed it important for the students to realize Veterans Day is more than just a day off from school.
United States Navy and Vietnam War veteran Logan MacFarland, who served his country from 1966 to 1970, said his enjoyment stems from watching the children perform, a sentiment shared by his fellow veterans.
“I don’t know how many schools do something like this, but they do a great job here,” stated MacFarland. “It’s a good program that teaches the kids some history and some respect for their elders.”
William Waltz, who served with the 9th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army and saw combat in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, agreed.
“It’s a beautiful program and we’re all very glad that they have it,” said Waltz. “I think it helps the young kids to be more aware of what exactly we veterans have sacrificed for this great country.”
Musical performances at the event featured student renditions of the Woody Guthrie classic “This Land is Your Land,” Roger Emerson’s “This is My Country” and Mike Wilson’s “Remember to Remember.”
A group poetry reading of the John McCrae-penned “In Flanders Fields” and a pre-recorded performance of “Taps” closed out the program.
“It’s a nice program and it gives the veterans some community time together, some time to enjoy each others’ company,” said Smith.
The program – which originally began as a small recognition ceremony followed by coffee and doughnuts nearly a decade ago – has grown into a production of sorts, including vocal performances, poetry readings and a full breakfast for attending veterans.
Honored at this year’s gathering were Jeani Wilcox, Tim Evans, Carl Goodrich and Gordan Kupiec of Georgetown; Bill Mandeville, Logan MacFarland, John Stewart, Jack Conklin, Hugh Comfort and William Waltz of South Otselic; Tom W. King and Tom E. King of Sherburne; Lisa Haitian of Sheds; Joseph Day of Smyrna; Ossie Myers of Otselic; Ron Palmer of Norwich; Ken Sheldon of McDonough and Mike Sheldon of Greene.
The 18 assembled veterans represented nearly every branch of the United States military and each took a brief moment to describe to students their individual military affiliations and where they had served.
Georgetown Elementary fifth and sixth grade science teacher Judith Smith said the annual event is all about honoring and showing respect to area veterans, in addition to the educational value it holds for students.
Smith added she believed it important for the students to realize Veterans Day is more than just a day off from school.
United States Navy and Vietnam War veteran Logan MacFarland, who served his country from 1966 to 1970, said his enjoyment stems from watching the children perform, a sentiment shared by his fellow veterans.
“I don’t know how many schools do something like this, but they do a great job here,” stated MacFarland. “It’s a good program that teaches the kids some history and some respect for their elders.”
William Waltz, who served with the 9th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army and saw combat in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, agreed.
“It’s a beautiful program and we’re all very glad that they have it,” said Waltz. “I think it helps the young kids to be more aware of what exactly we veterans have sacrificed for this great country.”
Musical performances at the event featured student renditions of the Woody Guthrie classic “This Land is Your Land,” Roger Emerson’s “This is My Country” and Mike Wilson’s “Remember to Remember.”
A group poetry reading of the John McCrae-penned “In Flanders Fields” and a pre-recorded performance of “Taps” closed out the program.
“It’s a nice program and it gives the veterans some community time together, some time to enjoy each others’ company,” said Smith.
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