Want to honor veterans?
The public is invited to attend the City of Cumming’s Veterans Day Celebration at 11 this morning at the Veterans War Memorial on Veterans Memorial Boulevard.
Organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9143, the ceremony will feature patriotic readings and music by several student groups, as well as remarks from Mayor H. Ford Gravitt and retired Army Col. Peter Rodda.
It seems youth doesn’t keep local students from having a strong sense of patriotism as many schools are holding Veterans Day celebrations today.
Ceremonies are planned for at least six of Forsyth County’s public elementary and middle schools, recognizing students’ family members and friends who are veterans.
North Forsyth High School’s Marine Corps JROTC program held a ceremony Thursday night.
Donna Morris, principal of Settles Bridge Elementary, said the school has been holding Veterans Day celebrations since it opened in 1999.
“It’s so meaningful to the students because it’s not the typical classroom experience,” Morris said. “It’s an opportunity for them to meet and find out about the lives and accomplishments of veterans.”
At Piney Grove Middle School, counselor Sarah Coats said the observance has “become a tradition.”
“Our eighth-graders know that every year we’ll have a big Veterans Day celebration,” she said. “It’s definitely something all the students look forward to.”
The students also put a lot of time and work into the ceremonies. They create artwork honoring veterans, write letters to send to current servicemen and women, and create and practice songs and skits.
Both Settles Bridge and Piney Grove, along with several other schools, will also have breakfasts for students and their veteran guests.
“The students are always so proud to have their grandparent, aunt, uncle or whatever family member served come and eat with them,” Morris said.
Some other elementary schools with Veterans Day events include Big Creek, Shiloh Point and Whitlow, as well as Lakeside Middle.