Pine Island Elementary honors veterans
Under sunny skies and with a cool breeze blowing, Pine Island Elementary students, teachers, faculty and staff assembled to honor Pine Island veterans Thursday. Members of the American Legion, VFW and other veterans sat beneath a large tent at the pavilion.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, Principal Steven Hook kicked off the event as the veterans were escorted by “student ambassadors” from the library to their seats.
“Good morning and welcome to our Pine Island Elementary School Veteran’s Day program. I’ve been doing education for 38 years and I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder to watch you sing and to have the crowd we have here today,” he said. “It is indeed a privilege to have our honored veterans, families, friends and guests with us today. At our school we strive for academic excellence and yet we want our students to clearly understand and respect the sacrifices that have been made for us to enjoy our freedoms. We celebrate and pay tribute to those who have served our great country and so proud that you are here today. Thank you and God Bless the United States of America.”
Several hundred parents and grandparents were in attendance as each grade, starting with the kindergarteners, sang a song about America. Several veterans had tears in their eyes.
Particularly moving was the White Table Ceremony. The White Table is set in many mess halls and veterans organizations as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing or held captive in the line of duty.
One by one students placed each missing part: a white tablecloth representing honor; a slice of lemon placed on a bread plate as a reminder of the bitter fate; salt symbolizing tears; a single rose symbolizing blood and the families; an inverted glass signifying the inability to be home; a candle representing the light in the hearts of their families; and an empty chair representing the missing veteran placed at the table.
Several students recited, “This represents so much more than just a little white table. Thank you soldiers for your sacrifices for our freedom. I will always remember and we will always remember.”
More than 40 veterans were present as each was handed the microphone to state their name and branch of service. Every branch of the service was represented including veterans who had served from 1941 through 2008. Many Vietnam veterans were present with a few World War II, Korean War and Gulf War veterans.
Johnny Agnew was introduced as a student that wrote a thank you letter to veterans:
Where would we be without Veterans?
“We would be an unsafe and not a free country if veterans didn’t protect us from all the terrible enemies we have faced. They have risked their lives for other civilians and many other things to form the country we live in. No one can name all of the courageous, brave and fearless things that Veterans have done. Veterans have done an amazing job. They continue to do the right thing no matter where they are or how old they are. They are kind and helpful people. These Veterans have given everything they have. They certainly don’t have to do what they do, but they do it because of their patriotic love for their country.
There are many Veterans that have helped out in some way to protect the United States. Some more well-known Veterans include General Eisenhower, George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt. Think about who taught them how to do all the cool things they did and think about who worked side by side with them as they defeated our enemies. Anyone can make as big as a difference as they did; if they have all the things they had ? patriotism, bravery and fearlessness. If you believe, you can make an even bigger difference.
Compare the U.S. to other countries. Don’t you see a huge difference between us and many other ones? We have freedom and good people-most importantly, brave Veterans that have stood up and continue to stand up for our country. We are a great country because of them and what they have done. Veterans are the best. So, I stand here today on behalf of Pine Island Elementary, to say THANK YOU.”
At the conclusion of the outdoor portion of the program, the entire student body sang “I’m Proud to be an American” as the veterans were escorted to the cafeteria for lunch.
John Carley served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1972.
“I served on troop transport ship USS Cambria bringing guys home from Vietnam,” Carley said. “I’ve been a member of the American Legion Riders and wanted to be involved. This has been a very moving experience and think very educational for the kids.”
Rocky Alacistro served in the U.S. Army airborne.
“Something occurred to me while I was sitting outside listening to the kids,” Alicastro said. “It’s wonderful that they honor veterans for their service but I think the real honor goes to those that didn’t come back. Everybody sitting here, we were the lucky ones. The honor has to go to those that didn’t return.”