By Frank Lewis
Attorney Valerie Webb, a 12 year veteran in the United States Army, was the guest speaker at the Veterans Day event at Northwest Elementary School Wednesday afternoon.
Webb talked about the difficulty of basic training and about serving in the Gulf War. She took the opportunity to honor all of the veterans from the community who had turned out to join a packed house of Northwest students, for the program.
“It is very important on Veterans Day to honor all veterans past and present and those who are currently serving,” Webb said. “It is also very important to honor them even if they did not go to war and served only through peace time.”
Webb said her father and her brother also served in the military.
“Even though they did not go to war, their service was just as important as mine,” Webb said. “They, and many veterans just like them, kept our country safe from harm during their service. It is also important to remember that there are still many wars going on in the world today. Some of you may still know some people who are fighting in these wars. When they come home remember to thank them for their service.”
Webb took the opportunity to make a note that veterans are not just men.
“There are thousands of veterans that are women and I am very proud to be one of them,” Webb told those in attendance. “There are also many races of people who have served and are serving today. The fact that people of any race or gender can serve this country is one of the things that makes this country great.”
Hunter Armbrister, a fifth grader, led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, Karlee Lawson, a fifth grader, gave the invocation, while the fifth grade chorus sand both the National Anthem and a medley of patriotic songs. Rhianna Pollard and Alysa Robinson played taps, fifth grader Harley Rigsby gave a special reading and veterans remained at the end of the program for a group photo.
“We will continue to do this every year,” Martin told the crowd. “We always look forward to having you here. You always know this place is your home. Stop in anytime. I’ll be glad to welcome you in.”
Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.
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