Broadwater Students attend Veterans Day Ceremony
Author: Matt Nelson
Matt Nelson
Most of the 700-plus students at the Broadwater School in Townsend participated in the Veterans Day ceremony held there on November 11th. The high school gymnasium was packed, both on the floor and in the bleachers.
Starting off this patriotic event, the Color Guard of the American Legion Post 42 here in Townsend carried the flags from the back of the gym to the front, while members of the BHS Band played “The Flag of Freedom Waves”. Carrying and posting the flags were Michael Gustafton, Dean Nygaard, and Linda Cousineau, the Post Commander, and Jennifer Dalrymple, the Ladies Auxiliary First Officer, then folded a large American flag with 13 separate and distinctive folds. Mrs. Heavrin, the High School Principal, explained what the significance of each fold meant. She thanked everyone for coming and had the veterans stand and introduce themselves, telling what branch of the military they had been in. Legion Chaplain Holly Hendrickson led a prayer to all there.
Taylor Cartwright, the Student Council President, gave a slideshow called the Veterans Day Presentation, with an emphasis on why we honor those who have served. After that, there was a “Grand Old Flag” sing-along.
Several students had written essays about specific veterans they admired. Led by Mark Irvin, the Middle School Principal, he announced the names of the three winners, who read their individual essays. Very impressive! These students are Kathryn Six, Rigo Delgado, and Gabe Krueger.
Mrs. McNulty led the 5th and 6th Grade Choir, who sang “Six Branches of Military Songs”.
Kelly Siler, a retired Air Force veteran, was the guest speaker. During his talk, he held up several items, one being a key ring with military “dog tags”, which are pieces of metal about 2” long, with the name of the veteran and their service, and if I remember correctly, their religious preference. He took off his belt and explained what the letters of the word B.E.L.T. mean: “Bravery, Excellence, Leadership, and Trustworthiness”. Outstanding talk!
The BHS choir sang “God Bless America”. After that, Mrs. Heavrin showed a video called “Veterans Day: You Are the Reason”. Closing out, the elementary students sang a Thank You Veterans Song titled “Thank You Soldiers – Veteran’s Day /Memorial Day Song". Mrs. Heavrin invited all the veterans and guests to the lobby for cookies and coffee.
Led by Mrs. Gillespie and Mrs. Lawson, the students handed out individual thank-you notes that they had written to the veterans. Mine has a colored palm print, with the fingers in red, a blue palm covered with white stars, and the words, “Thank you for all you’ve done. In my heart, you are number one!”
Also, thanks go out to Mrs. Heavrin, who provided a schedule of events.
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PhotoCredit: Matt Nelson
Image 1 Caption: American Legion Post 42 Color Guard
Photo Credit: Matt Nelson
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Image 2 Caption: Mrs. McNulty leads the 5th/6th grade choir
Photo Credit: Matt Nelson
Image 3 Caption: Eighth Grade Students Kathryn Six, Gabe Krueger, Rigo Delgado read their essays
Photo Credit: Matt Nelson
Image 4 Caption: Guest Speaker Kelly Siler
Photo Credit: Matt Nelson
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Image 5 Caption: Veterans Attending the Ceremony
Photo Credit: Matt Nelson
