NEW BERLIN – Veterans were cheered and offered up a heart-felt “thank you” from some of America’s budding citizens at the Unadilla Valley Elementary School’s annual Veterans Day program on Monday.
Dozens of veterans from every branch of the armed services were invited to take part in the ceremony. According to administrators, the event held in the auditorium Monday morning served a two-fold purpose: to recognize those who served; and to teach students about the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.
“I think it’s very important to have a program like this in any school in any community,” said UV Elementary Principal Christopher Harper. “We have a lot of veterans in our community who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This program is here to thank them and recognize them for their service and what they did for all of us.”
In addition to hearing the songs, poems, and personal narratives read by students on stage, veterans were treated to a complimentary breakfast afterward in the school cafeteria.
As similar programs that honor veterans continue today in schools across the country, it’s important to recognize the strong ties those programs have between people who served and the local community, said Bob Root, one of the many veterans recognized during Monday’s ceremony.
“Programs like this help bring awareness to the students as they grow up, and to the community,” Root said, adding that he believes the observance at UV will not only be a memory for veterans, but also the young people who helped organize it.
“It’s a great thing for the veterans and students,” said Denny Hoxie, another veteran praised for his service during the event. “It’s really a terrific program.”