Students across the county paid homage to veterans Friday as they presented Veterans Day programs. Irving College School’s new gymnasium was almost full with veterans and their families as all students pre-K through eighth grade presented songs and tributes to them.
School resource officer and U.S. Air Force veteran Mike Vann spoke to the crowd and showed his appreciation to veterans.
“Many veterans don’t feel like they are appreciated, even though they are protecting us,” said Vann. “There are so few of them serving the multitude of us, so it’s nice to have these days to show appreciation.”
Also speaking with students was former Irving College student and Air Force veteran Angie Higgins. She was assisted by U.S. Army veteran Sandy Hayes. They conveyed military rules to the students, taught them the signs which go with the rules, and included them in their presentation.
Higgins said, “There are more than 23 million veterans, all brave men and women who protect our freedom. Four words they live by are brave, honor, protector and courage.”
The program featured pre-K students presenting the “Pledge of Allegiance” in sign language, while others sang “You’re A Grand Old Flag,” “Yankee Doodle,” and “God Bless the USA.”
World War II veteran and Irving College community resident Brown Woodlee proudly attended the event and appreciated the school’s intent to honor veterans.
“I served from 1942-45 in the U.S. Army, and it was tough,” said Woodlee. “You can’t understand what it was like unless you went through it.”
School guidance counselor Heath Roberts planned the event, saying it is important to recognize and show veterans respect for their time served.
“Children need to know why we celebrate this day and to always appreciate the freedom we enjoy in the United States,” said Roberts.