Giving Thanks for Our Blessings in the Holiday Season

As we pause during this busy holiday season, we’re reminded to give thanks for so many blessings in our lives. It is befitting to reflect on the people we feel such gratitude toward.  Recently, many of the local schools took time to recognize and honor our country’s veterans, both those currently serving as well as those who have served in past conflicts. 

Writing letters to soldiers in overseas locations…designing American flags made special with 7 year-old children’s handprints…a collaboration of Scouts and VFW Bugle Corp …chorus and band presentations…a hand bell choir…musical performances by retired members of the Marine Band…special lunches …the wearing of red, white and blue or clothing representing the various military branches…the playing of TAPS…and a moment of silence…these are all ways several of the local schools demonstrated appreciation for local veterans and service members.

At Orange Hunt Elementary School, during an assembly filled with patriotic music, Jason Pensler saw the importance of recognizing not only the deployed service members but their children as well. The children who had a family member who was deployed came to the front and placed a flower in a vase for their parent. “We believe since a large portion of our community is currently active in the military, that our children should play a huge part of our program. We then decided to have students of family member currently deployed to take an active role in the program,” said Pensler.

At White Oaks Elementary School, students were encouraged to invite a veteran to the third consecutive year’s breakfast celebration. Kathy Sawyer, a former Air Force captain, who proudly served four years active duty, and one year in the reserves, was pleased at the opportunity for all veterans to receive recognition, even if they did not have a school aged child. “I like the idea that a veteran who may not receive public recognition for his/her service, can be a part of this celebration and be a part of this patriotic day, with other fellow veterans. I think it also helps the students to see the many veterans in our community, expanding their connection to the military outside their own family,” said Sawyer.

The Sangster Elementary Vice Principal, Allison Jankovich, spoke with great respect of the community: “Today we honored our military with a flag raising ceremony that while short in duration, was extraordinary in meaning. It was spectacular to see the way our parents, staff, and of course students rallied together in honor of Veteran’s Day. We are so thankful that our newly established Military Spouses Club took the initiative this year to honor our troops in such a heart-warming way. Sangster is home to many military families and I can’t think of a better way to show them how much we support and respect them. I couldn’t be more proud of the entire Sangster community – students, parents, and staff.”

At Keene Mill Elementary, the emphasis also included the sacrifices made by the families of veterans and military members. Captain Craig Wevley, a member of the United States Navy, provided the keynote address which emphasized the military families.  “Many sacrifices are made by veterans and their families.  The families are the heroes who sacrifice so much by moving around every couple of years,” said Wevley.

The students and staff at Robinson Secondary School, which was named after James W. Robinson, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, respectfully paid tribute to the namesake, as well as other veterans at this yearly event.  Kyle Paget, a senior at Robinson Secondary School, led the students by reflecting on the heroism of James W. Robinson. Paget brought his own heroism to the ceremony as he is a military child, whose father is currently serving in Afghanistan. 

Robinson’s Principal Dan Meier left the students with a challenge: “Let us all try to live our lives to make our namesake (James W. Robinson) proud.”  Jena Hays, a sophomore at the school, took some time to reflect on that challenge.  “I am proud that I go to a school that has meaning in its name. It’s where we learn, but the building itself is a tribute to an amazing person who sacrificed his life for freedom.  In making our namesake proud, I always try to do my best in school — whether that's academic or extracurricular. It’s cool and also moving to visit the Vietnam memorial and see the name of James W. Robinson carved into the marble. It brings to light that he was a real person and he died for freedom. I feel so thankful for that.”