Veterans, community members and students filled Clearview Elementary Thursday morning for the school’s annual Veteran’s Day program.

 

After a welcome from Principal Sheri Rutar, Legionnaires from St. Augusta, Clearwater and Clear Lake, along with help from the boy and girl scouts, Posted the Colors, and together the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

A number of patriotic songs were sung throughout the program, including The Star Spangled Banner, American the Beautiful, which students also sang in sign language, You’re a Grand Old Flag and This Land is Your Land.

 

Students took turns telling the audience the meaning of the nation’s flag. Senior Master Sargent Jim Fraser explained the significance of “the table set for one,” and a moment of silence was observed for the country’s POWs. 

 

St. Augusta Legion Honor Guard members performed the flag folding ceremony while students explained the meaning of each fold, after which Clearview staff members Jessi Bost and Ruth Johnson sang American Tears with students joining in on the chorus.

 

As the program wound down the significance of Taps was explained, and many in the audience had tears in their eyes as veterans saluted and Tech High School junior Tyrese Weatherby played the haunting song on his trumpet.

 

The St. Augusta, Clearwater and Clear Lake Legions were presented with thank you cards and patriotic wreaths handmade by the student council, and the program concluded with the Retiring of the Colors, after which the school hosted a reception for attendees. 

 

The annual event is held to honor and thank local veterans, as well as help make students aware of the people who have sacrificed for their country.