It was love of Country. It was patriotic songs. It was essays about heros. It was inspiring speeches. It was tears in the eyes of the overflowing crowd in the LES (Lakeland Elementary School) gym Tuesday morning (11.5.19) for the annual Veterans Day Programs.
Under the guidance of Kristen Nichols as program chair, LES shared “More Than Just a Name” for the throngs of families, friends and military heros who attended one or both of two programs: 9:30 a.m. for grades 2-4 and an hour later for preschool, kindergarden and first grade. Each hour-long program was followed by a parade around the school area and Oakwood neighborhood with flags and banners.
The LES Glee Club, under the direction of Dianne Davis, performed four songs during the morning with LES students and Robin Smith performing at the second program.
Also featured were the LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) Band with Director Brent Hopper (four pieces) and LMPS String Ensemble with Paula Turner, director (one piece).
Google album to photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/B1R3XCYmLsLsopRP8
CDR Brad Convese with the U.S. Navy in Millington was the early morning speaker. As a recent resident of Lakeland, CDR Converse said he was excited to be a part of the community and added, “the future of our Country is right here.”
He complimented LES on being the best elementary school in the state and posed questions to the students: Which are the biggest cities in Tennessee? Memphis and Nashville which equal 1.2 million people, the same number of active duty military in the United States.
His second query was a math computation: There are 7 million people in the State, how much is 7X3? The answer was 21 and he said there re 21 million military veterans in this Country.
“The coolest thing I do is doing to work everyday to defend our Country. It’s worth doing more than anything else.”
LCDR Thea Lopez spoke at the second LES program.
Eight third-and fourth-grade students presented their essays about heros, some with parents standing alongside them as they read to the crowd. The students were Quade Martinez, Presley Farmer, Joshua Owen, Wyatt Creighton, Jake A. Brown, Amber Cleveland, Paolo Reys and Hadassan Shagg. Wyatt’s tribute was to his father who had served in the military and later served as a policeman, injured in an accident and is recovering. After the reading, Wyatt and his family received a standing ovation.
Active duty military were asked to stand, followed by retired military by the war period they served and by the branch of service.
Joretha Lockhart, LES principal, welcomed the crowd and introduced Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland School System superintendent, along with LES assistant principals, Lakeland School Board members and Lakeland commissioners.
Boy Scout Leader Charles Snyder led the opening flag ceremony. TAPS was played by LMPS Band Member Omar Medina. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Addi Ladd and Chase Adduci, both fourth grade class representatives.
The LMPS Veterans Day Program will be at 9 a.m. Thursday (11.7.19) at the middle school.
… Videos and photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
