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Leesburg Elementary School held its first all-school Veterans Day program on Tuesday.
More than 30 veterans attended the program. Students created cards for the veterans and brought in photos of family members who have served or are currently serving. Over 120 photos were included in a slideshow, with some dating back to World War I, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
The program began with the Warsaw Community High School JROTC presenting the colors during the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by all K-6 students singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Each grade performed a song for an audience of Leesburg family veterans, and the music portion concluded with a medley of military songs representing all six branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force and Coast Guard.
To close the program, each veteran in attendance was invited to stand and share their name, branch, years of service and connection to a Leesburg student.
For many students, this moment stood out as the most meaningful part of the event, according to the release.
“Hearing the veterans talk about their service made it real for our students,” said music teacher and program organizer Stephanie Coates. “It helped them understand the sacrifice and dedication behind the day we honor.”
