November 5, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
Smithville Elementary School renewed its in-person Veteran’s Day tribute a week ahead of the official observance last Thursday, November 2 in the auditorium of the county complex.
Veterans in attendance were the honored guests for the assembly which featured songs of praise and patriotism from children as young as kindergarten to second grade age along with SES teachers, staff, parents, and the public.
Although many of the youngsters may have been too young to understand the significance of the occasion, SES Principal Anita Puckett said it was important for them to be exposed to some of the community’s hometown heroes.
“If there is anything these students take away from their experience at Smithville Elementary School is that we value those that have served our country for our freedom. I know they may be too young but with knowledge is power. I never want these children to ever take for granted the opportunities that this country has and the freedom we have been given due to those that have served. I am grateful to each of you,” said Principal Puckett in her welcoming remarks.
The program then continued with a recording of the National Anthem by the United States Marine Band, a music video of Daily & Vincent’s “Unsung Heroes”, and a recognition by Erica Birmingham of all veterans in attendance. Each of the classes sang along with recorded military tributes to the veterans including kindergarten students who joined in singing “The Army Goes Rolling Along”; first graders who sang “The Marine’s Hymn”, and “Wild Blue Yonder”; and Second graders singing “Anchors Aweigh” and “Semper Paratus”.
Misty Agee then read the following poem by author Jonanna Fuchs:
“On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.
Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;
In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.
Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.
No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.
Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.
We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say “thank you” to every wearer”.
The assembly of children and others then joined in singing with Lee Greenwood’s recording of “God Bless the USA” which was followed by Principal Puckett reading from Psalms 33:12-22 as a blessing to the veterans before closing the program.
A special thanks to the veterans who attended the program including the following and their branch of military service:
Norm Osburn, Army
Dale Pedigo, Army and Civil Service
Shannon Postle, Navy
Family of Clyde Thomas, Navy
Caleb Tramel, Marine Corps
Michael Peterson, Marine Corps
Ken Werner, Marine Corps
Julie Goodrich, Air Force
Dean Broadhead, Air Force
Robert “Bobcat” Secott, Air Force
Ronnie Redmon Sr, Air Force
Phil Prater, Army
Nathan Thomas, Army
Ronald Miller, Army
Jesus Hernandez, Army
James Wilmoth, Army
Charles Cantrell, Army
Ben Franklin, Army
Michael Cooper, Army
Michael VanDyne, Army
Jim Tollison, Army
Ronnie Bates, Army
Jerry Hinton, Army
Ed Bray, Army
Thomas Garrett, Army
Mark Rennaker, Army
Clyde Miller, Army National Guard
Glenn Worley, Marine Corps
Joshua Howe, Marine Corps
John Hummer, Marine Corps
Jacob Rankhorn, Marine Corps
Dane Powell, Marine Corps