A salute to veterans

More than 30 veterans and current military members turned out for a salute from local students Tuesday afternoon at Berg Elementary School.

“We are here for a very special reason,” said Jolene Comer, Berg Elementary Principal. “This is the day we pay our respect to all the men and women who served this country in our armed forces. We show our gratitude to the brave men and women who sacrifice everything to make the world a safer place for us.”

The Veterans Day program included performances by the Berg Middle School Band, a special song by kindergarten students as well as a presentation of the colors by local Cub Scouts. The National Anthem was sung by Newton High School student Elizabeth Pearson.

The veterans introduced themselves and which branch of the military they served, and also recognized which Berg Elementary student they know.

Kindergarten students gathered and sang, “American soldier, you are brave, you keep our country safe — we thank you.”

A group of third graders read aloud essays they wrote about what Veterans Day means to them.
"Veterans Day is a day to honor the American soldier …" said Collin Cummins …. "I had a Grandpa Ralph who fought in World War II. He actually was a prisoner of war, but the good news is he was rescued."

Breanna Leaming said,  “On Veterans Day, we celebrate people who were brave enough to fight in war. Veterans are people who risk our lives to give us freedom.”

The school also celebrated students who demonstrated strong character in the month of November with its “Kids of Character” recognition.