By Stephen Smoot
“We’re very honored to have you here.”
This was said by Lisa Roberson, North Fork Elementary School principal, but from the reception given to veterans whose service spanned decades, all in the building last Friday echoed her sentiment.
Every year, area veterans gather at the Harold K. Michael Community Building in Circleville to enjoy a patriotic party with North Fork Elementary School’s patriotic student population.
An earnest young man greeted all at the door to the Greer Fieldhouse, explaining to each where they were to sit. The school marked off special sections for students and visitors in the stands with three rows of chairs set up for attending veterans.
The day opened with the introduction of veterans. Roberson announced the name of each veteran, along with a short description of his or her service. Caylie Simmons, a Pendleton County native who also serves as Miss West Virginia, escorted each one.
“Our very first honored guest” was Gene McConnell, retired United States Air Force officer. Names were read in no particular order, but the group as a whole represented the Korean War era until the most recent conflicts. Of course, many also served during times of peace, guarding the ramparts of freedom just as diligently.
The student body sat in the middle rows of bleachers, clapping attentively and enthusiastically for each name. Some students donned patriotic garb for the occasion. Many of the veterans had kin among the students, a fact recognized when Roberson read their names.
Once all took their seats, the fourth grade led all in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. All the students spoke as one, giving powerful voice to the patriotic sentiment of the day.
Next came the staggering of recorded thank you videos by children of different grades and also their singing performances. After the initial thank you video, the fifth and sixth grade sang the National Anthem, The veterans all rose and saluted the flag as the students clearly presented the beloved American standard.
After another video of respect and appreciation, kindergarteners, first, and second graders came down from the bleachers, ascended the concert risers, and sang a tune entitled “Thank You Soldiers.” The lyrics emphasized military veterans’ “gallantry” and “sacrifice,” then proclaimed “thank you! O’ thank you!”
After the youngest students concluded their musical interlude, “our very own sixth grader” Elaina Raines walked to the podium to share her essay called “Veterans.”
In it, Raines explained the sacrifices made and why Americans need to honor them. She shared that “veterans are brave people who risk their lives.” She went on to say “they’re selfless . . . they had to leave their family and friends . . . they do so much good, it makes me want to fight for what’s right like they have.”
She finished by saying, “Thank you for all you have done.”
“I sing to honor you . . . my hero and my friend,” came from the lyrics of the tune performed by the third and fourth grade, “This Song I Sing For You.” A video featuring a medley of Armed Forces service songs came next.
Students seemed to particularly enjoy clapping along with the beat of the United States Navy’s “Anchors Aweigh.”
Then came the heartwarming finale as the entire student body stood, waved American flags, and belted out the Lee Greenwood favorite “God Bless the U.S.A.” Some veterans swayed in time with the music while others appeared to shed a tear at the sight.
All students sang with enthusiasm and heart and showed understanding of the meaning of the moment. Roberson shared, “It’s just perfect to hear all their little voices.”
Each class then gave the veterans handmade cards, while younger classes also gave red, white, and blue streamers.
Attending veteran Mary Frances Wadsworth, who had just finished dancing at her seat, requested the microphone. She said, “We are all just so impressed and thankful.”
Wadsworth then listed the different service branch responses, such as the Navy’s “Bravo Zulu,” the Air Force’s “Aim High,” the Marine Corps’ “Semper Fi,” and the Army’s “Hoo Rah.” She then said, “I’ll call out the commands” and led the veterans in a salute to the students who had just made their hearts feel quite full.
After the ceremony, students served coffee and pie to the veterans, engaging with their heroes and honoring their service.
