Cedar Mountain students honor veterans

VERNON — “Thank you for your service,” announced sweet voices, Nov. 12, at the Cedar Mountain Primary School Veteran's Day Parade and special First-Grade show.
It was a beautiful, brisk day. Precious Kindergarten and First-Grade classes lined up in front of the school, some waving American flags, others wearing red, white, and blue hats specially colored for the occasion. Everyone cheered and clapped as the Vernon Viking Marching Band marched with around 45 veterans and active duty military service members up and down the school driveway.
In addition to the honored guests, new Superintendent of Schools Karen D'Avino and Board of Education Vice President Lauren Magee attended the festivities, along with parents, grandparents, and relatives.
The band played the “Star Spangled Banner” and the “Armed Forces Salute” — a medley of Army, Air-force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine service songs — to more cheers and claps.
After the parade, everyone marched down to the gym for the second part of the program, where the first-grade classes sang songs, recited poems, and danced for their guests.
As part of their school tradition, students led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and sang, “You're a Grand Old Flag.” Principal Rosemary Gebhardt explained, they also ring the school bell in the beginning of each day, adding, the tradition was made even more special because of the centennial for Armistice Day being celebrated this year.
After each song and recitation, the children gave guests poem copies, crayon colored medals, and paper hearts.
In the end, Ruby Jackson received an award for winning the Vernon VFW coloring contest. Her colored picture, one of 200 submissions, will be hung up in the local Vernon VFW hall for all to admire.
Ladies Auxiliary representative Cindi Auberger presented the award and gift card to Jackson. Co-winner Delilah Taylor was absent.
Refreshments were then served to the honored guests.