Grover Hill Elementary hosted its annual Veterans Day Program on Monday, November 12. Students and staff were honored by an exceptionally large number of veterans in attendance this year. Grover Hill student council members directed the festivities.
Music teacher Caitlyn Schmidt led students in grades 1st – 6th in musical tributes as they sang “My Flag” and “Patriotic Salute”. Students from Mrs. Davis’ 5th and 6th grade Social Studies classes presented their essays titled “What Makes Me Proud of America?”.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending World War 1, a maple tree was dedicated to be planted on school grounds recognizing all Grover Hill students who have served in the United States military. A plaque will be included to designate the importance of the symbolic tree to the public.
Finally, those in attendance were privileged to hear a very inspirational message from this year’s speaker, Paulding County Commissioner Mark Holtsberry. Mark has been instrumental in many county-wide service projects honoring veterans including the Paulding County Veteran’s Plaque hanging in the courthouse, and providing headstones to unmarked graves of veterans in the county. Mark also compiled and published the book “Paulding County in the Great War”, documenting all Paulding County men and women who served in the war. His words inspired those in attendance to live lives that reflect the sacrifices made by the multitudes of Paulding County Veterans involved in every United States Conflict. Just as they “did more than was asked of them” so should we look for ways to go far beyond what is asked of us.
Following the program, all veterans were invited to stay and eat lunch with students served in the cafeteria.
