Veterans Day programs return to district
It’s been an exciting time for our district as we have the opportunity to reignite with the community. The pandemic we experienced over the last couple of years deterred many events from occurring and we are thrilled to be able to bring these events back again! One of the events we had to forego the last several years included our Veterans Day programs. Our recognition and gratitude for our area veterans has been a tradition at Tecumseh Local Schools for many years. We were pleased to be able to offer the Veterans Day programs once again this year.
Veterans Day programs were held at Tecumseh High School, Tecumseh Middle School, Donnelsville Elementary School, New Carlisle Elementary School and Park Layne Elementary School on Friday Nov. 11. The programs were staggered in time, so veterans could attend one, or all of the programs if they wished. Many veterans spent the day navigating from one school to another to enjoy the programs held in their honor. Veterans were invited by a student or staff member, yet all veterans from the community were invited to attend as well. The veterans in attendance ranged from a few who served during the Korean War in the early 1950s to veterans serving currently.
Our AFJROTC cadets honored the attending veterans at Tecumseh High School by performing the folding of the flag ceremony, while Senior AFJROTC Instructor Maj. Doug Couch solemnly recited the meaning behind each of the 13 folds. The flag is folded in remembrance of the original 13 colonies and there is a specific meaning behind each fold. Our students sang patriotic songs, which they had practiced for weeks ahead of the programs, at the middle and elementary schools.
The hallways were adorned with patriotic decorations created by the students, along with photos of many of our veterans in attendance.
Thank you cards were personally handed to our veterans by our youngest Arrows. To culminate the final program at Park Layne Elementary School, the military song “Taps” was played while students, staff members, and veterans stood in honor of those veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The silence emanated throughout the room as attendees mourned those who did not make it home. Many eyes glistened.
We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and honor our veterans again this year. Additionally, we are confident that by doing so, we instill in our students an understanding of what it means to be a veteran. Perhaps, they may take the time in the future to say, “Thank you for your service,” when they have the opportunity.