ECMS celebrates Veteran's Day with special guests
Emerald Coast Middle School held a tribute to Veteran's Day on Nov. 7, with local veterans as special guests and presentations by the student body.
The tribute began with the posting of colors by the Color Guard and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Afterwards, the National Anthem was sung by Amber Smith, Keelye Gaither, Lexy Guessford, Brooke O'Malley and Kellie Lambert. The pulpit was then turned over to school counselor Marie Laurino who gave a speech about "What is a Veteran?" and introduced the guest veterans.
Student Council Vice President Rachel White followed with a speech of recognition.
"The reason we are gathered here today is to celebrate, remember and thank both active and retired veterans who have given up so much to keep our country safe and free," said White in her speech. "All the veterans present here have spent time away from their homes and families, working hard to make sure we live in an honorable country. They've spent time overseas, in harsh weather conditions, and even risked their lives to make sure we are safe and free. We thank you all, for your hard work, your time and all the things you have given up to protect and defend the United States of America. Without you, our lives would not be the same."
After White spoke, Principal Gail Smith introduced the first guest speaker, Robert Jones, retired USAF. Jones was a pilot during the Vietnam War who was shot down and was a prisoner of war for 62 months.
After Jones addressed the students, "I'm proud to be an American," by Lee Greenwood was played and everyone was asked to sing along. Once the song ended, Smith returned to the podium to introduce the last guest speaker, Ken Kuzenski, retired USN.
After Kuzenski spoke the students were released and the special guests were invited for snacks in the cafeteria.
"I think it was wonderful, very well done," said Jones. "I was very honored and proud to be there with the other vets."
According to Laurino, the tribute brought the reality of Veteran's Day to the students.
"They actually had a person and specific events to relate Veteran's Day to," said Laurino. "It made it very real for them."
Honored Guests of the ECMS Veteran's Day Program 11-7-08
Major Robert C. Jones, USAF; Colonel Henry Conn, USAF; CW0-2 Rex Chambless, US Army; Chief Petty Officer Mark Kemp, USN; Commander Ken Kuzenski, USN; Staff Sergeant Christopher Mayer, US Army and National Guard; Sergeant Christopher Hopper, US Army; Staff Sergeant William Blevins, USAF and US Army; CWO-2 Francis Lammers; Master Sergeant Charles McDowell, USAF; Specialist Jason Marshall, US Army; Staff Sergeant Maia Groshong, USAF; Captain Larry Dungan, USMC; Corporal Ed Farrell, USMC; Lt. Colonel Richard Robinson, USAF; Dr. John Lamberson, USAF; and Major Emory H. Dueitt, USAF.
