4 • The Beacon November 21 , 2024
Schools and organizations hold veterans events
By Josie Sellers For The Beacon
Schools , businesses and organizations throughout the community honored veterans last week .
One of those veterans celebrations was hosted by Interim Healthcare at Lafayette Pointe on Veterans Day , Nov . 11 .
“ Honoring all who served , the family , friends and staff members at Lafayette Pointe showered these heroes with gratitude for their years of service and sacrifice ,” said Lindsey Zacharias , CDP , hospice and home care liaison for Interim . “ This group of local vets encompass the word bravery and , after all these years , still have a passionate heart beating for our beautiful country . Presenting these dedicated men with certificates and honor pins brought nothing but joy to the team at Interim Healthcare and Lafayette Pointe .”
Musician for the event was Colleen McDermott . She shared her experience being in a family with a loved one who served .
“ While only one day of the year , our gratitude and remembrance stay in our hearts forever ,” she said .
McDermott concluded the ceremony by paying tribute to the residents with the patriotic playing of taps .
River View Intermediate students invited veterans to enjoy breakfast and a special assembly on Nov . 11 at the school .
“ We appreciate you coming here and spending the day with us and thank you for your service ,” Principal Jarred Renner said . “ Our students and the choir are going to do the assembly from basically start to finish .”
Students shared information about how veterans have impacted the country and explained the POW / MIA Missing Man Table Ceremony . The ceremony involves a small table , empty chair and place setting with pieces representing those who are missing .
Each veteran was honored with a certificate and special gift . The choir sang patriotic songs . Associate Principal Michelle Zimmerman shared information about a special flag hanging in the gym . This large flag belonged to the grandfather of staff members Melinda Angle and Allison Granger . It was flown during World War II on the USS Enterprise , which was the most decorated ship during the war .
“ The flag is dated 1943 and tells the story of courage and resilience ,” Zimmerman said .
Veterans Day is celebrated annual on Nov . 11 and is a day set aside to honor all veterans who have served in the armed forces . The number 11 is important to Veterans Day because on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 , allied forces and Germany signed the peace treaty , marking the end of World War I .
Schools , businesses and organizations throughout the community honored veterans last week .
Submitted Music for the event at Lafayette Pointe was provided by Colleen McDermott .
Submitted One of those veterans celebrations was hosted by Interim Healthcare at Lafayette Pointe on Veterans Day , Nov . 11 .
Josie Sellers
River View Intermediate School students shared information about how veterans have impacted the country and explained the POW / MIA Missing Man Table Ceremony .