Veteran's Day 11/11/11

The third graders at Matthew's school held a Veteran's Day program.    They had a flag ceremony, said the pledge of allegiance to both the US and Texas* flags, sang a number of patriotic songs including ones that mentioned the various branches of the military, and honored the veterans in attendance.                                                


It was a nice program, but I forgot my camera so this is the best I could do with a wimpy phone camera. 

Melissa saw the presentation earlier at school, but she liked it so much that she decided to come with me in the evening to see it again.  This despite the fact that her Auntie Andrea was at home to watch her if she chose to stay.  She bobbed to the music and sang out in the audience.

Prior to honoring the veterans, this poem was recited:

IT IS THE SOLDIER

It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

by Charles M. Province

My favorite servicemen:

and

Happy Veteran's Day!

*Yes, Texas has its own pledge.  In case you were curious: I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.