‘Thank you’: Liberty-Curtin Elementary honors 37 veterans
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Liberty-Curtin Elementary students stand as veterans enter the gymnasium for the annual Veterans Day assembly honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Family, friends, students and guests gathered for refreshment following the assembly in the school's media center.
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Liberty-Curtin honored the 37 veterans with a display in the lobby featuring photographs, military uniforms and memorabilia to recognize those who have served.
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Liberty-Curtin Elementary students stand as veterans enter the gymnasium for the annual Veterans Day assembly honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Family, friends, students and guests gathered for refreshment following the assembly in the school's media center.
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Liberty-Curtin honored the 37 veterans with a display in the lobby featuring photographs, military uniforms and memorabilia to recognize those who have served.
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BLANCHARD -- Liberty-Curtin Elementary School welcomed 37 veterans with personal connections to students and their families for a special Veterans Day assembly honoring their service and sacrifices.
The annual program brought together students, staff members, family members and friends to recognize the men and women who have served in the United States military and to give students an opportunity to express their appreciation.
"Today's a special date here at Liberty-Curtin Elementary, as we come together to recognize and honor great men and women who serve our country," Principal Brett Umbenhouer said in opening remarks. "We are especially proud to recognize 37 veterans who have personal connections to our Liberty-Curtin students and families."
Umbenhouer recognized that each veteran has a unique story of service and sacrifice, thanking them for taking the time to attend the assembly and allowing the school community to honor them.
Veterans Day, Dr. Lana Weaver, a fourth grade teacher, explained, is an opportunity to reflect on the freedoms Americans enjoy and recognize those who have helped protect them.
"Our veterans answered the call to serve something greater than themselves, often making sacrifices that many of us will never really understand," she said. "Their courage, commitment and willingness to put others before themselves deserves the deepest appreciation and respect."
The assembly also served as an opportunity to teach students about the importance of recognizing freedom and the values demonstrated through military service.
"One of the most important lessons we can teach our students is that freedom should never be taken for granted," Dr. Weaver said, noting that veterans serve as examples of courage, responsibility, respect and service to others.
Those values, she added, are encouraged throughout the school year, whether students are helping in the classroom, standing up for what is right or making a positive difference in their school and community.
Dr. Weaver thanked the veterans for attending and connected the program to the school's monthly theme of gratitude.
"Today, this is for you, and thank you so much for coming in today and letting us show gratitude," she said. "Thank you for all you've done."
The program continued with a presentation by the school's students, beginning with the color guard before moving into the remainder of the Veterans Day assembly, where students handed certificates to each veteran.
The school community's message to the veterans was one of appreciation, recognizing that those being honored were not only heroes who served the nation but also parents, grandparents, relatives, friends and neighbors who play an important role in the Liberty-Curtin community.
"On behalf of the entire school community, thank you for your service, your sacrifice and the examples that you set for future generations," Umbenhouer said. "We are honored to have you here with us today to celebrate Veterans Day."