Windsor Hornets salute veterans
Published 9:59 am Wednesday, November 11, 2015
WINDSOR
All branches of military service were represented at the Veterans Day program on Tuesday morning in Windsor Elementary School. Many of those who have served — or are still active — were the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles of the fourth-graders who presented the enthusiastic tribute.
Following a prelude and Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” the chorus recited the Preamble to the Constitution. Clay Smith and Girl Scouts Gracie Holland of Troop 1401 and Ashlee Wells of Troop 810 welcomed the audience and led in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Glenn Flanagan, a Navy veteran, was the guest speaker for the occasion. While taking questions from the students, he told them that there are many opportunities in the military should they choose that path.
In a skit performed by Alyssa Armel, Gracie Holland, Preslei Pagan and Sydney Selvy, they discussed “Who is a veteran?” Later, Anniston Aigner, Cecilia Bullis, Logan Cobb and Peyton Goetz read “Veterans.” McKalaya Alexander-Aid and Warrick Griffin read “Just a Common Soldier.” Tiauna Scott and Alexis Watkins read “The Meaning of Our Flag.”
You can’t have a proper Veterans Day program without songs, and music teacher Kathy Owens led the students to sing a patriotic medley featuring “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “This Land is Your Land” and “America, the Beautiful.” Joseph Gray and Kaitlyn Bass got to be soloists and Faith Babcock added some clogging to the mix.
Joshua Machner then announced the individual military branches as soloists Leighton Pulley, Alli DeGroft, Mikaila Spratley and Trent Taylor sang the songs associated with the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force, respectively.
The chorus concluded its part by singing “Welcome Home.”
As Cub Scout Pack 41 members Aiden Barnes, Rigo Cruz and Cameron Kokot ceremoniously folded a flag, excerpts from famous speeches were read by Logan Jackson, Carson Saunders, Seth Council, Alissa Etters, Lilly Laule, Kaleigh Little, Jenna Garris, Henry Fong, Mary Eley, Bailey Oliver, Landon Marston, Michelle Owens and Zaylan Davis. That flag, which was flown over the U.S. Capitol, was then presented to Flanagan as a token of appreciation for his service to the country and for coming to the school.
To conclude, “Taps” was played on the trumpet by Billy Boyd of the Windsor High School Band.