In a powerfully precious juxtaposition of grateful students and dedicated military service members a few days before Veterans Day, Mountain View Elementary School second-graders sang and praised the contributions of a special group of local heroes.
The large second-grade choir sang patriotic songs of freedom and thanks Thursday as a huge crowd of parents and guests watched, took photos and applauded.
Music teacher Gale Polson thanked the numerous guests with ties to military service.
Family members of school staff members, as well as representatives from the school’s adoptive unit, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team joined members of the Harker Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars post.
Students led the audience in the pledges to the flag and the National Anthem.
Guests from the VFW helped with the presentation of the individual armed services.
The school’s fifth grade ambassadors announced special guests by name and distributed individual thank-you notes.
Principal Christy Galloway, spouse of an active-duty soldier and a longtime resident of the Killeen area who attended Mountain View, said the day is an important one for students and for the community.
“I think it serves as an important occasion for the school and the community to reflect on the service and dedication of our veterans,” the first-year principal said.
The outreach to soldiers and retired service members, along with the concert, allows students a chance to learn service and patriotism, she pointed out.
Going back to her time as an elementary student and later as a teacher, Galloway said Mountain View has always honored soldiers and veterans.
“I remember there being that sense of community honoring those who serve. It gives me a sense of pride to see how we continue that service and legacy.”
A trio of fifth-grade ambassadors expressed their thoughts on the program and on Veterans Day.
“I think it was fun. I liked getting to read off the names,” said fifth-grader Emmanuel Asamoa.
“Veterans Day celebrates what veterans sacrificed for us, what they have done,” he said. “It’s nice seeing them here (at school).”
“It was good,” said Emily Rosado. “Second-graders did a good job. We honor veterans because they protected our country. They are strong, protective and brave.”
“It was good,” said Precious Ugwuanyi, “because they were singing to the veterans because they sacrificed to protect our freedom.
Mountain View Elementary Veterans Day concert photo gallery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720321771096
Many schools in KISD have honored veterans this week. Monday is a staff and student holiday in the school district in observance of Veterans Day.
High school Junior ROTC cadets from KISD’s five high schools and the KISD All-Star Marching Band are scheduled to march in the Killeen Veterans Day parade at 11 a.m. Monday in downtown Killeen.
The five KISD high school bands will perform Salute to Veterans at 6 p.m. Monday at the Harker Heights High School auditorium.
