Students and staff at East Elementary School honored local veterans in a short ceremony Monday morning.
East Elementary Principal Nanda Wilbourn explained to the children what Veterans Day is and how the men and women who have served in the military help protect freedoms as well as serve as examples of leadership. She explained that Veterans Day is a day to honor the military, both those who are currently serving and those who have served in the past.Also called Armistice Day, Veterans Day marked the end of World War I. The Treaty of Versailles was signed officially ending the “Great War,” as it was called. Armistice Day (Veterans Day) is celebrated in November because fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Traditional celebrations of Veterans Day include parades, public meetings and even a cessation of business (often observed by banks and governmental entities).
During Monday’s ceremony at East Elementary, former soldier Robert Hickey read a poem he wrote while deployed during the Pacific War. He enlisted in the Army in November of 1944, was sent to the Philippines in early May of 1945, and in late June he was wounded in action. He was released from duty in December of 1945, but during the Korean War, Hickey again signed up with the military and was sent to Korea as a photographer.
Mrs. Wilbourn then read the poem “In Flanders Field.” Then Brownwood High School students Laura Cadena and Jeff Smith played “Taps.” Students and those in attendance then recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the pledge to the Texas Flag.
Pictured above are Veterans honored as Taps was played.
Below are more photos of the event.
Mrs. Wilbourn explains Veterans Day to students.
Veterans salute during the National Anthem.
Robert Hickey recites a poem he wrote during the Pacific War.
The Pledge of Allegience and pledge to the Texas Flag are recited by those in attendance.
