Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Community events offer gratitude, respect
 |
| Retired Marine Maj. Don Caroway, from left, Marine Cpl. Michael Darby, Air Force Master Sgt. Devin Anderson, Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Ron Barden and Army Sgt. 1st Class Hubert Hooper and Army Sgt. 1st Class Al DeLucia stand at the beginning of the Veterans Day assembly Nov. 11 at Rabun County Middle School. |
By Chris McCaa Staff Writer
For Rabun residents and people throughout the nation, Tuesday was a day to show respect and gratitude for those who have served in all branches of the armed forces.
Students at Rabun County Middle School did not miss the opportunity to honor those who served by holding a Veterans Day assembly in the school's gymnasium.
To begin the ceremony, the RCMS band offered its rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as several students entered the gymnasium with the American flag for the presentation of colors.
A select group of students read essays and letters to veterans.
Eighth-grader John Duncan, who won second place in an essay contest about why veterans should be honored, offered up words of wisdom to his peers.
"Our veterans should be honored for all they have accomplished," Duncan said. "They gave everything and have done more than most of us. They have earned the right to be honored and respected."
Eighth-grader Courtney Holbrooks, who captured first place in the contest, emphasized the sacrifices veterans make in service to their country.
While most Americans spend the holidays at home with friends and family "(those in the military) are thousands of miles away fighting for freedom," she noted. "Soldiers have to miss out on everything for all the right reasons, so when you think of these things, why shouldn't they be honored?"
During the ceremony, students listened attentively to guest speaker, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Al DeLucia, a veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After leading the young congregation in a moment of silence to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty and those currently serving, DeLucia emphasized the need for veterans to be venerated by today's youth.
"When you see a veteran, thank them for serving and let them know they are appreciated for what they have done," DeLucia said.
The message was not lost on the students in attendance.
"I feel great respect and honor for all the veterans and all they had to sacrifice," eighth-grader Lukas Cook said.
Seventh-grader Taylor Shirley said he was "thankful for all they have done for the country to keep us safe."
This was not the only day's event honoring those in uniform.
More than 500 veterans and loved ones filled the Rabun County Civic Center for the annual Veterans Day appreciation dinner hosted by the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce.
At the event, veterans enjoyed robust meals, fellowship and camaraderie at numerous tables under a canopy of patriotic balloons that floated above the proceedings.
Army Sgt. Joe Nichols, who served in Vietnam, said he was pleased to learn RCMS paid tribute earlier in the day to those who served their country.
"The young people need to find out what being a veteran stands for," Nichols said.
Speaking of the veterans dinner, Nichols said such gatherings gave "recognition of the guys who put their lives on the line and it shows appreciation from people here in the county and in the country."
Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver said he was honored to be in the presence of so many peers who proudly served their country.
"I am here just to say thanks to the veterans for their great service and the character and leadership they bring to our country," Rodeheaver said.
After the meal, attendees enjoyed a performance of the national anthem by The Rising Stars Singers.
After a guest speaker, presentation of branch flags, a musical program and a benediction by Jim Walden, chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4570, the colors were retired by Boy Scout Troop 6.
Rabun County High School junior Samantha Cragg then filled the center with the mournful, spare notes of "Taps," bringing the event to a close.
Students at Rabun County Middle School did not miss the opportunity to honor those who served by holding a Veterans Day assembly in the school's gymnasium.
To begin the ceremony, the RCMS band offered its rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as several students entered the gymnasium with the American flag for the presentation of colors.
A select group of students read essays and letters to veterans.
Eighth-grader John Duncan, who won second place in an essay contest about why veterans should be honored, offered up words of wisdom to his peers.
"Our veterans should be honored for all they have accomplished," Duncan said. "They gave everything and have done more than most of us. They have earned the right to be honored and respected."
Eighth-grader Courtney Holbrooks, who captured first place in the contest, emphasized the sacrifices veterans make in service to their country.
While most Americans spend the holidays at home with friends and family "(those in the military) are thousands of miles away fighting for freedom," she noted. "Soldiers have to miss out on everything for all the right reasons, so when you think of these things, why shouldn't they be honored?"
During the ceremony, students listened attentively to guest speaker, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Al DeLucia, a veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After leading the young congregation in a moment of silence to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty and those currently serving, DeLucia emphasized the need for veterans to be venerated by today's youth.
"When you see a veteran, thank them for serving and let them know they are appreciated for what they have done," DeLucia said.
The message was not lost on the students in attendance.
"I feel great respect and honor for all the veterans and all they had to sacrifice," eighth-grader Lukas Cook said.
Seventh-grader Taylor Shirley said he was "thankful for all they have done for the country to keep us safe."
This was not the only day's event honoring those in uniform.
More than 500 veterans and loved ones filled the Rabun County Civic Center for the annual Veterans Day appreciation dinner hosted by the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce.
At the event, veterans enjoyed robust meals, fellowship and camaraderie at numerous tables under a canopy of patriotic balloons that floated above the proceedings.
Army Sgt. Joe Nichols, who served in Vietnam, said he was pleased to learn RCMS paid tribute earlier in the day to those who served their country.
"The young people need to find out what being a veteran stands for," Nichols said.
Speaking of the veterans dinner, Nichols said such gatherings gave "recognition of the guys who put their lives on the line and it shows appreciation from people here in the county and in the country."
Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver said he was honored to be in the presence of so many peers who proudly served their country.
"I am here just to say thanks to the veterans for their great service and the character and leadership they bring to our country," Rodeheaver said.
After the meal, attendees enjoyed a performance of the national anthem by The Rising Stars Singers.
After a guest speaker, presentation of branch flags, a musical program and a benediction by Jim Walden, chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4570, the colors were retired by Boy Scout Troop 6.
Rabun County High School junior Samantha Cragg then filled the center with the mournful, spare notes of "Taps," bringing the event to a close.
 |
 |
|
| Ramey takes back city checkbook | County schools remain eco-friendly |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of theclaytontribune.com.
