Celebrating those who fought so hard for our freedom. That’s what Green Valley Elementary School did on Monday, November 12. It wasn’t just any day though… it was Veteran’s Day. And this was the 21st year that Green Valley has participated in celebrating the important day. Camilla Cabaniss, a retired third grade teacher and Mary Lou Hagen, Green Valley’s music teacher, among many other volunteers, worked tirelessly to put together this special program.

Patriotic music filled the packed auditorium… students, teachers, parents and veterans sat, ready to honor and remember the past, present and future of our country. The music was led and directed by Mary Lou Hagen. The entire school took part in most of the songs including “This Land is Your Land,” and “I Love My Country,” among many other classic songs. Green Valley’s Principal, Ashley McCallum welcomed everyone to the event and expressed her gratitude to those who have served or are serving our country. There was a presentation of the Colors by the Roanoke County Police Department Honor Guard and a musical Tribute to the Services which included: The United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, United States Air Force, and the United States Coast Guard.

Carmen Brewer, Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserves spoke to the crowd about her experiences in the Air Force Reserves. There was also a special tribute to Anthony Joseph (Tony) Hehn by Gillian Lionberger. Mr. Hehn died this year at 102 years of age; he was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran, and a member of the American Legion Post #3. You can read more about him here.

In addition to the wonderful music and presentations, there was also a lighting of the Candle of Remembrance by Catie McCown, S.C.A. Vice President. There was a moment of silence to remember and honor those who fought for our freedom as well as a trumpet duet by Hidden Valley Middle School band students: Rachel Phillips and Bryce Burgoyne.

After the event, parents and visitors were invited to stay for refreshments and visit their child’s classrooms until 10:30am. Veterans were invited to stay for a special breakfast in their honor. The students of Green Valley not only prepared many beautiful songs to honor the veterans during the event; they also created a wall of thankfulness as well as various other pieces of art to show the veterans how much they are appreciated.

Veteran’s Day may just be one day, but it is an important one… it is a reminder that we should treasure and honor those who have fought and are still fighting for our freedom. They are a group to be treasured and honored every day of our lives. Green Valley Elementary School captured the importance of this day in their very special and emotional program to “Honor All Those Who Served.”