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GLEN DALE -- Glen Dale Elementary School students showed their patriotism and pride in their local military veterans during a special program for them Wednesday afternoon.
Students in grades 3-5, their music teacher Kathy Fox, the veterans and community members gathered at the veterans memorial at the city's park.
The children sang patriotic tunes, recited letters they wrote to the veterans expressing their appreciation for them and at the end paraded back to the school waving American flags. Some of the veterans paraded with them, too.
In her essay, third grader Allie Elwood said "veterans are important because they served our great country."
"The veterans are who served the country could be people who could have been in the Army, Air Force and other parts of the military, too," she said. "They are people who died for us. Veterans also are important because if they were in the service, they probably missed their families. That is why they are so important to me."
In her essay, third grader Kenslee Stanley said veterans are important because "they sacrificed their lives for our country."
"They fought in the military and showed courage and bravery, too. They wanted to save our country so that we would be safe," Stanley said. "Some of them lost their lives because of the war. They just wanted to keep our country safe. So that's why veterans are important."
In her essay, fourth grader Madison Burke thanked the veterans for all their sacrifices.
"Thank you for allowing me to honor you on this day. I will not forget your dangerous fights," she said. "I will not forget your bravery. I will not forget your fast thinking.
"Because of you, I stand tall with pride. Because of you, we are as safe as we could ever be."
Fourth grader Khiya Bettinazzi thanked the veterans "for the gift of freedom."
"Thank you for fighting for our country. You have taught me how to be grateful for what I have," she said. "You have taught me how to speak up and fight against what is wrong.
"You have taught me how to help people even if they aren't our favorite people. ... Because of you, I stand tall with pride.
"You make us feel like we are the luckiest people on this planet called Earth."
Fifth grader Lindy McIntyre's essay focused on the American symbols that make her feel patriotic including the American flag, the bald eagle and her family.
"It probably won't be the same for you, but my family makes me feel patriotic because almost everyone of my family members have been in some branch of the military and I couldn't have asked for a better family," she said.
Fifth grader Ayla Thomas said in her essay that there are many traits that one needs to have to belong to the military including being brave and fearless, having mental and physical strength, being quick and alert and having skills.
"These are the characteristics someone has to have if they want to be a part of the military, but most of all they have to love their country," she said.