On Friday, November 9, we had our annual Veterans Day Celebration assembly.
It was a great success.
As guests were arriving, Student Council students aided in greeting our veterans and pinning on boutonnieres. The 4th Force Reconnaissance Company Marine Corps Honor Guard entered solemnly with the flags. Our Student Council President led everyone in The Pledge of Allegiance, and then opened in prayer. We all sang The Star Spangled Banner, beautifully led by the Elementary Choir and accompanied by the school band. Next there was another patriotic song sung by the choir, and a pleasant, and “kid-friendly” guest speaker, Navy veteran Shawn Kertel, who encouraged students to “work hard” at everything they do.
Our program has had a tradition of having guest veterans from each branch of service stand to be honored as their branch song is played. This year, we had the pleasure of the Junior High Girls Ensemble’s live singing of the Armed Forces Medley, assisted by one of our Student Council members, while the veterans from each branch stood to be applauded by the audience.
To further honor our vets, this year we had a new addition to our program – Gail Belmont and her presentation of Quilts of Honor. All veterans present who had served in combat, received special recognition and the presentation of a beautiful homemade quilt. Below are excerpts from the Quilts of Honor online post by founder and veteran Gail Belmont.
[NorthCreek Academy] puts on a special celebration for veterans of the students who attend the school. I had the honor last year of going with my great-niece as her veteran. When I saw what a great event this was and how many veterans were in attendance, I said next year we will honor here.
When it came our turn . . . [Miss Williams] called the names and I played Sergeant and told them to line up in order. They all laughed. I shook each veterans hand and then we had them unfold the quilts all at one time. It was beautiful. To see all those veterans holding their quilts with big smiles was a great sight, even the kids were in awe.
After the assembly, a reception was held in the chapel for the veterans and the students who invited them. There was eating, sharing of old stories, and much laughter. All in all, it was a wonderful tribute that was much appreciated by our veterans. We thank God for His blessings!
Written by Miss Jamie Williams, Junior High Language Arts