Third Annual Veteran's Day Celebration
By Connie Butts
November 17, 2009
Marais des CygnesValley Elementary School celebrated Veterans Day with the school’s third annual patriotic assembly. A continuous slide show of veteran’s photos and names was played throughout the program.
The program began with a welcome by Ms. Wollenberg followed by everyone saying the Pledge of Allegiance. A group of students led by Mrs. Snider played the Star-Spangled Banner on boom-whackers. Mrs. Snider then read a proclamation letter from President Obama.
One by one the veterans came forward, introduced themselves and told about their branch of service and any war or conflict they had served in. The veteran's all received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the introductions.
Mrs. Snider and grades K-5 then presented a patriotic concert. Following the concert, the 4th and 5th grades presented patriotic quotes. Ms. Wollenberg and the 3rd grade then presented a moving tribute to veterans, especially MIA’s & POW’s, entitled America’s White Table. At the closing of the tribute, Mrs. Snider played taps on the trumpet as the white table was highlighted by red floodlights.
The veterans and audience were then served refreshments.
The students enjoyed writing thank you letters to veterans in the VA Hospital in Topeka and made flags. Other activities during the week included a patriotic coloring contest. Winners listed are: Kindergarten - Riley Spillman, Wyatt Lingenfelter, 1st grade - Erick Abunga, 2nd grade - Bayleigh Lacey, Gage McKenzie, 3rd grade - Ethan Totty,4th grade - Tristen Patterson and 5th grade- Isaac Detwiler.
The students really enjoyed having the veterans and their families in the building and are looking forward to next year. A tremendous thank-you goes to all the veterans, their families, students and staff that helped to make this day a memorable one.
