“Honor to the soldier and the sailor everywhere, who bravely bears the country’s cause.  Honor also to the citizen who cares for the brother of the field, and serves, as he best can, the same cause…”  These powerful words spoken by President Abraham Lincoln pledged support and thanks for the service and work of our nation’s veterans.

As is tradition here at LME, our fifth grade team presented a highly moving and emotional salute to our veterans.  Through beautiful singing, handbells ringing, speaker reflections, and visual images, they shared our love and thanks to the brave men and women who valiantly have served and are currently serving our country.

With more than 25 million US veterans living today, they represent a highly elite group of Americans who have cleared the seas, charged the hills, and covered the skies in defense of our freedom.  We honor our veterans and their families and say thanks for serving our country!

Mr. Bill Thompson, retired US Navy (and MISD bus driver) shared arrival bugle calls and closed our program with the sounding of the Army’s traditional “Taps.”  There are words to this melancholy tune:

“Day is done; gone the sun; from the hills, from the lakes, from the skies.  All is well, safely rest; God is nigh.  Thanks and praise; for our days; ‘neath the sun, ‘neath the stars, ‘neath the sky.  As we go, this we know; God is nigh.”

Our Scout Troop 277 presented the colors and led our campus in pledges.  Fifth grader, Heather, beautifully sang the words to the “Star-Spangled Banner” followed by the chorus singing a touching rendition of “The Pledge of Allegiance.”  Other songs included were “Thank a Vet,” “Welcome Home,” and “There You’ll Be.”  Handbell Ringers enthusiastically played “America the Beautiful” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”  Special projects created by 5th grade learners shared research and interesting facts about the service divisions of the armed forces.  All students were invited to display pictures and information of veterans connected to our campus on the annual Wall of Honor.

You can say we were definitely “TEAMing with American Pride” last night and today in our red, white, and blue to salute and show our support, love, and thanks to our veterans while pledging all week to be drug-free American citizens…“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” (President John F. Kennedy)

Note:  Our campus is involved on Tuesday (Election Day) in casting our ballots for the next US President.  We will share our results with you.  Here’s hoping you set an active example and exercise your right as a US citizen to VOTE in the election this year!