Tommie Barfield Elementary Salutes Veterans

Students and staff of Tommie Barfield Elementary School (TBE) gave a warm welcome to all veterans from Marco’s American Legion Post 404 on Friday November 8th, along with parents of the students and their guests.

Everyone was greeted at the parking lot entrance by the Drum Club, and once inside, greeters and ushers led them to their designated seats. 

“We, the students of Tommie Barfield Elementary (TBE) welcome you to our Veterans Day Program. My fellow peers and I are excited and proud to share with you this tribute, in which we honor our veterans who have gone for the GOLD! We are here to recognize the sacrifices you have made,” said the TBE Master of Ceremonies.

According to the program, the second-grade students worked to create the decorations and the first-grade students created thank you notes for the veterans. The Kindergarteners learned about the veterans and made patriotic hearts, learning about the true meaning of the American Flag. The third, fourth and fifth graders worked hard to learn all the songs honoring the veterans and the USA. And third graders created their own drawings to celebrate Veterans Day.

TBE students are celebrating a sports theme this year and this reminded them of the veterans! According to the students, “Veterans are team players; Veterans go for the Gold; and Veterans are Champions!

Here are some of the remarks from TBE students during the celebration:

“Veterans do much for our country; they are the most respected people in the world. Here at TBE we celebrate you every day! We have many of your photos on display in our Military Hallway. You are our real-life superheroes, and we show our deepest respect for the superheroes who didn’t come back.”

“I am grateful for everyone who has fought for our country; we celebrate our country by visiting monuments, bringing flowers to graves of Veterans and flying my American Flag.”

Military songs serve as a source of pride for all veterans and at TBE. In addition, TBE students also recognized the newest military group, the Space Force with over 9,000 active guardians to protect our country and the freedom to operate in space. 

Everyone joined in the sing-along of old favorites such as This Land is your Land, The Champion, and You’re a Grand Old Flag. A big thank you to all the fifth-grade singers - the awesome reason they all sound so good is because of their music teacher, Mr. Greusel!

Also, a big shout out to the Sign Language Club and all the fifth-grade singers who spent the past several weeks reflecting on what it means to be a veteran. 

Alyssa Ledbetter, TBE principal, thanked everyone who gathered here to “honor our amazing veterans. Today, we recognize courage, sacrifice, and dedication to those who served. Veterans Day is a special time to remember that everyday freedoms and opportunities have been protected by the brave men and women who put our country first.”

“We often remind our students that veterans came from all walks of life,” said Ledbetter. “They are our neighbors, teachers, family members and friends. Today, let’s not only honor them with words but carry forward the lessons they have taught us in bravery, resiliency, and leadership.”

“Our program today reflects our appreciation for all veterans, who we see as real-life heroes,” Ledbetter said in closing. “On behalf of our TBE staff and students, I would like to thank you. Thank you for your service and commitment to our country.”

As a traditional end to the Veterans Day tribute, Taps was a violin rendition played by TBE fifth-grader Ali.