Scottsville resident Kai Chitapong, a Major in the US Army Reserve, and his children, twins Kai and Khloe, fourth grade students at TJ Connor, are pictured here at the Veteran’s Day ceremony at TJ Connor Elementary School in Scottsville. Photo provided by Wheatland-Chili School District
BY JENNIFER CROWLEY
On Thursday, November 9th, the TJ Connor Elementary School in Scottsville held its annual Veterans Day Celebration to thank family and community members for their service to our country.
Red, white and blue flags adorned the main sidewalk into the school building while fifth-grade student ambassadors waited at the entrance to personally greet the nearly 30 men and women being honored. The event, which happens annually, is an opportunity for students and faculty alike to share patriotic songs, readings and poems in recognition of the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who had served in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard.
In addition to honoring the relatives of students and faculty members alike for their contributions to the Armed Forces, the celebration also educates students on the history of Veterans Day. The now federal holiday actually originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I.
School principal Margaret Wright moderated the morning event which opened with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by students singing the national anthem. Each veteran was then recognized by name along with a brief summary of his or her military service including branch and number of years served. Mrs. Wright also shared historical facts about each of the five branches, and played the official song of each as well.
The school-wide assembly concluded with the student body singing “Proud to be an American,” and then honorees were given handmade wreaths as a small thank you for the spirit of courage they embody. As one student said to another, “These are people who have helped keep us safe so I am glad that our school celebrates their bravery.”
