City View 8th Graders Honor All Who Served
By: Ryan Robertson
Updated: November 13, 2012
This morning's "Honoring All Who Served" ceremony marks the 24th year City View students have paid tribute to our Nation's heroes, and just like in years past, the veterans who were there said they were honored and happy to participate.
As the City View 8th grade band played the anthem of each military branch, the 40 veterans in attendance enjoyed a moment in the spotlight, a moment which honored them for their service and sacrifice to our country.
"Without them, we probably would not have the freedoms we have today," said Max Neuman, a City View 8th grader, "meaning that we would not have freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of speech."
After the band played, First Sergeant John Van Pelt of the United States Air Force took a moment to address the crowd, making a clear point the freedoms we enjoy as Americans are bought and paid for by the service of our veterans.
"No one wants peace more than the American Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Coast Guardsman," said Van Pelt, "but it's that strong military that makes sure we actually experience peace."
In addition to honoring the veterans as a group, every man and woman in attendance who served our country was also given a personal thank you card, hand made by a City View 8th grader.
"It's just a way to honor our veterans and how they fought for our country. They give us freedom," said Whitney Clark, another City View 8th grader and member of the band.
Corporal Perfecto Sevilla, a retired U.S. Marine, said, "it means a lot to me to see these young kids so they can see what we went through, and what we're here for. We put our lives on the line for the freedom of the United States of America and for our people."
A humbling experience for the students involved, and a reminder that never have so few done so much for so many.
Reporter's Notes by Ryan Robertson:
City View's "Honoring All Who Served" ceremony was started by former City View teacher Kenny Mayo, who wanted his students to meet the men and women who gave so much so we could remain free.
As the City View 8th grade band played the anthem of each military branch, the 40 veterans in attendance enjoyed a moment in the spotlight, a moment which honored them for their service and sacrifice to our country.
"Without them, we probably would not have the freedoms we have today," said Max Neuman, a City View 8th grader, "meaning that we would not have freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of speech."
After the band played, First Sergeant John Van Pelt of the United States Air Force took a moment to address the crowd, making a clear point the freedoms we enjoy as Americans are bought and paid for by the service of our veterans.
"No one wants peace more than the American Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Coast Guardsman," said Van Pelt, "but it's that strong military that makes sure we actually experience peace."
In addition to honoring the veterans as a group, every man and woman in attendance who served our country was also given a personal thank you card, hand made by a City View 8th grader.
"It's just a way to honor our veterans and how they fought for our country. They give us freedom," said Whitney Clark, another City View 8th grader and member of the band.
Corporal Perfecto Sevilla, a retired U.S. Marine, said, "it means a lot to me to see these young kids so they can see what we went through, and what we're here for. We put our lives on the line for the freedom of the United States of America and for our people."
A humbling experience for the students involved, and a reminder that never have so few done so much for so many.
Reporter's Notes by Ryan Robertson:
City View's "Honoring All Who Served" ceremony was started by former City View teacher Kenny Mayo, who wanted his students to meet the men and women who gave so much so we could remain free.
