Clearview Elementary School once again hosted their annual Veteran’s Day program last Friday with veterans, community members and students in attendance, along with Clearwater Mayor Pete Edmonson and Clear Lake Mayor Tim Goenner.

 

Legionnaires from St. Augusta, Clearwater and Clear Lake Posted the Colors with help from the boy and girl scouts, and together the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

After a welcome by Principle Sheri Rutar, the audience was asked to reflect on what Veteran’s Day means to them and why veterans, our flag and our country should be respected.

 

“One of Clearview’s priorities is to make the students aware of the veterans, their sacrifices and what they’ve given us,” said Andrea Coulter, fifth-grade teacher and one of the organizers of the program. “Thank you for our freedom and the opportunity to attend our great school.”

 

The history of Veteran’s Day was related and students took turns explaining the Pledge of Allegiance and the meaning of the nation’s flag. Senior Staff Sargent Jim Fraser told the audience what each item on The Table Set for One stands for.

 

“A veteran is only truly missing if he’s been forgotten,” he said. “We will not forget.”

 

A moment of silence was held for the country’s POWs and MIAs. 

 

Throughout the program a number of patriotic songs were sung, including The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, which students sang along to in sign language, America and You’re a Grand Old Flag. Students also sang You Are Our Heroes and Clearview staff member Jessi Bost sang the touching veteran’s version of Hallelujah.

 

The program concluded with an explanation of Taps and Tech High School senior Paul Mueller playing the haunting song on his trumpet while attending veterans saluted the flag. The Legionnaires then Retired the Colors and paraded solemnly out of the gym to the waiting reception area.

 

Clearview holds their Veteran’s Day ceremony each year to thank and honor local veterans and to help ensure students are aware of the people who have sacrificed for their country. A memorial honoring U.S. military veterans is located in front of the school.