Glen Dale Elementary School Honors Veterans With Special Patriotic Program
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GLEN DALE — Glen Dale Elementary School students honored veterans by singing patriotic songs and reading letters thanking them for their service during the school’s annual Veterans Day program at Glen Dale Park on Tuesday.
Led by music teacher Kathy Fox, the students said the Pledge of Allegiance and sang songs including the “Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” “America the Beautiful” and “Grand Old Flag.”
“In preparation for Veterans Day, we considered ways that we could honor Raymond Carl Richmond’s return home tomorrow,” Fox said, referring to the World War II soldier’s remains that were scheduled to be brought back to Moundsville on Nov. 11.
“All students at Glen Dale were encouraged to interview friends, family and neighbors who have served. Students engaged in conversations that asked their veterans specific questions about their enlistment, including why did you make the choice to serve?” Fox said. “What was your proudest moment? And where were you stationed? Their answers along with an image of each veteran were placed on a form and submitted to the school.
“All of the sheets are proudly displayed in the front hallway at our school. Copies of the interviews were given to our fifth-grade students, who used that information collected to write a thank you note to the veteran of their choice. Four letters were chosen to be read today.”
The students who read letters included Zuri Alford, who read to Austin Schwing, brother of Kenzie Farley; Lea Dean, who read to Emily, mother of Addilyn and Ian Kelley; Dailey Doty, who read to Tim Gilbert, grandfather of Brinley Ankrom; and Garrett Simmons, who read to Tim Callahan, brother of Fox.
Fox also asked members of the Moundsville Honor Guard about their time in the service. Guard members got to help lead the students back to the school in a parade line.
“Veterans Day is a national holiday in which citizens are encouraged to honor those who have served and are currently serving in the United States armed forces,” Fox said. “We also acknowledge their bravery, courage and selflessness for making the choice to serve.
“At Glen Dale Elementary, we are a community of leaders who support and encourage one another. We are fortunate to live in a land of the free because of the brave. Today, we extend our gratitude and appreciation to our brave veterans for their sacrifices.”