November 14, 2024
Prince Honors Local Veterans with Student-Led Ceremony
Written by Amy Frierson
As they approached the entranceway, veterans and guests attending the Prince Avenue Christian School Veterans Day Ceremony were greeted with cheers of “Thank you for your service!” from third-graders who enthusiastically waved flags of appreciation and welcome.
The Prince Veterans Day Ceremony has become a beloved tradition at the school. The event provides a unique opportunity for Prince military parents, grandparents, friends, and alumni as well as community members to be recognized by the student body for their sacrifice and service while also providing an important learning experience for students regarding patriotism and the cost of freedom.
The ceremony was opened with prayer by Prince Head of School Col Seth Hathaway followed by posting of the colors. The remainder of the ceremony was student-led beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. The Prince Avenue Advanced Band combined efforts with the Voices of Prince to perform the National Anthem and Patriotic Medley.
Students then explained the history of Veterans Day as well as the history of the musical anthem of each branch of service. Veterans were invited to stand and were honored with applause when their branch’s song was played. Following the anthems, lower school students summarized the meaning of the POW/MIA white table based on the children’s book America’s White Table by Margo Raven, and students concluded the ceremony by reading letters to thank veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service.
Many veterans sent a picture of themselves in uniform to be included as part of the program. The pictures combined with student artwork and handwritten letters provided a personal connection between the students and the veterans on this special occasion. Afterward, students, faculty, and staff enjoyed visiting with veterans and their families.
