In a sweet outpouring of appreciation a few days before Veterans Day, Reeces Creek Elementary School students lined the hallways and cheered as adopt-a-school soldiers walked past.
Following the uniformed soldiers representing the “Thunderhorse” 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, school staff members with military experience followed.
Students chanted their praise and handed the soldiers and Veterans handmade cards.
“It was heartwarming,” said Capt. Fausto Jimenez. “It is a great feeling to receive support like this from our adopt-a-school partner.”
Soldiers from the 2/12 have been a consistent presence at the school.
“It’s always a good time for the soldiers,” said Jimenez. “We have a good connection.”
A pair of Reeces Creek student council leaders led the parade, urging on their peers to cheer for the honored guests.
“It was fun,” said fifth-grader Alamea Rivera-Roman, student council president. “The soldiers and Veterans walked around and got cards specially made for them and everyone was cheering.”
“It gave them the feeling that people care,” she said.Fifth-grader Semaye Ighereje, student council ambassador agreed that the hallway parade was a fun way to show special soldiers and Veterans the school cares about them.
“I liked that the soldiers were happy,” she said. “They were smiling because they were thankful for the cards.”
“They suffer a lot,” said Rivera-Roman. “They should know that we care. We celebrate those who suffer for our country.”
“People in the Army sometimes are separated from their family for a year or for months or weeks at a time,” said Ighereje.
“They are brave. If war breaks out, they are the ones who would help.”
Numerous schools in Killeen ISD are planning parades and other activities to show their appreciation for Veterans in advance of the holiday Friday.
The KISD Fine Arts Department is hosting its 5th annual Salute to Veterans featuring the district’s high school bands at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Chaparral High School auditorium.
The city of Killeen annual Veterans Day Parade is set for 11 a.m. on the downtown streets beginning at City Hall.
Junior ROTC units and marching bands from KISD high schools will participate in the event.
