Each year, Collier County Public Schools is open for business on Veterans Day. While some in the community have questioned why, the day provides an opportunity for us to teach our students the importance of our veterans and the service they provided to our country. Many of our schools also plan special events and ceremonies—complete with patriotic musical performances—to honor our local veterans.
Melissa Williams is a fifth-grade teacher at Lake Park Elementary. Her dad, Larry Ray, is a veteran who attends the school’s celebration each year. “He always puts it on the calendar and ends up in the front row.”
“I felt very proud to honor all the veterans that were here today,” shared LPE fifth-grader Braelynn Bratcher.
Principal Kelly Zwack at Corkscrew Elementary opened her school’s ceremony with the following words: “Today, we honor generations of patriots who have earned the title American veteran—a badge of courage that unites the finest group of former service members that the world has ever known.”
Next door at Corkscrew Middle, Principal Rania Pierre-Peacock explained that the Student Council organized the school’s Veterans Day celebration, which included the band, chorus, and a steel drum performance. “We’re so proud of them! It was a fantastic opportunity for our middle school students to praise their veteran grandparents, their veteran moms and dads, and even those who, unfortunately, have passed on.”
It’s a family affair at Manatee Elementary. Also included in the festivities were the Manatee Middle School band as well as Lely High School’s JROTC. “It was kind of a coming together of all our schools,” said Kelsey Papworth, a resource teacher at MES. “We find Veterans Day is a wonderful day to show our thankfulness and how grateful we are for their service.”
MES music teacher Rhonda Vincent ensures the students understand the importance of the words they sing. “The biggest part about it is for them to understand what they’re singing and why they are singing it. It helps them to sing it with pride. They did an amazing job. I’m very proud of them.”
“This event here at the school [MES] is so uplifting,” explained Chris Walters, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served almost 25 years. “It’s nice to see that the school is promoting patriotism.”
When asked what a veteran means to her, LPE fourth grader Lily Bouchard explained that veterans served our country to protect our rights. “They sacrificed their lives for our country.”
These important lessons and experiences demonstrate the value of students attending school on Veterans Day. We continue to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. Their dedication and courage have made a lasting impact on our country, and we are deeply grateful.