November 8, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
Smithville Elementary students and teachers paid tribute Thursday morning to the brave men and women who have served our country in honor of Veterans Day during an assembly program in the lunchroom.
Local veterans seated on the stage were treated to children singing songs in honor of each military branch of service as well as “God Bless the USA” and “I love America” under the direction of Ms. Gates Craighead. A music video by Dailey & Vincent called “Unsung Heroes” was shown to open the program.
Anita Puckett, interim Principal, said the purpose of the assembly was to honor veterans and instill in these children at an early age the importance of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the service of our country.
M2U02851 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
“Boys and girls this is a very special day at Smithville Elementary. In fact its probably one of my favorite celebrations that we recognize each year. I know you may not truly understand the value of this day but I hope here at SES we are planting a seed for your future appreciation of these men and women, our present and future soldiers. These men and women did something most cannot do such as the act of sacrifice. Sacrifice is the offering of one’s self for a higher purpose. That purpose is for our freedom. Boys and girls you are very fortunate that you were born in America, home of the free and land of the brave. Freedom although taken for granted by many, much was sacrificed and today we honor and we recognize those who sacrificed much,” said Puckett.
Video below shows children singing “I Love America” under the direction of Gates Craighead
IMG_2548 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Adrienne McCormick read the following “Veterans Day” poem by Cheryl Dyson:
“On Veterans Day we honor all,
Who answered to a service call,
Soldiers young, and soldiers old,
Fought for freedom, brave and bold
Some have lived, while others died,
And all of them deserve our pride,
We’re proud of all the soldiers who,
Kept thinking of red, white, and blue,
They fought for us and all our rights,
They fought through many days and nights,
And though we may not know each name,
We thank ALL veterans just the same.”
Veterans recognized during the program were as follows:
*Paul Cantrell, US Navy- Korea
*Drew Ehlerd, US Army-OTF and OEF
*Jimmy Sprague, US Army-Operation Just Cause
*Edward Frazier, US Army-World War II
*Edsel Frazier, US Army-World War II
*Alysha Garmer, US Air Force
*Joe Stone, US Air Force, Vietnam
*Ron Mollinet,US Navy-Iraq, Libya, and Iran
*Darryl Young, US Navy
*George Beckley, US Army-Vietnam
*Allen Midgett, US Navy-Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq
*Philip DeBord, US Army
*John Washer, US Air Force-Operation Iraqi Freedom
*Joshua Reed, US Army
*Eddie Young, US Navy-Vietnam and Desert Storm
*James Owens, US Army-Vietnam
*Dallas Dale Hall, US Army-Vietnam
*Jerry Adcock, US Marine Corps-Vietnam to Desert Storm and Desert Shield
*Ken Clark, US Army-Vietnam
*Walter Phillips, US Army-Korea
*Corbin Keith, US Army-Korea and Vietnam
*John Michael, US Air Force- Cold War
*Ronnie Bates, US Army-Vietnam
*Brian Reed, US Air Force-Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)
*John Hummer, US Marine Corps-Vietnam
*William Heath Phillips, US Navy- deployed
*Paul Robinson, US Navy-World War II (deceased)
*Bill Newby, US Army-Vietnam (deceased)
*Carl Albert Hilla, US Army-World War I (deceased)
*Clyde Thomas, US Navy-Korea (deceased)
*Robert Karl Hilla, US Army-World War II (deceased)
*Robert Lee Hilla, US Navy-Vietnam (deceased)
*Isaac Harman Hannah, US Army-Civil War (deceased)