Gastonvville Elementary Center honors military veterans

Thursday's program marked the 10th consecutive year that Gastonvville Elementary Center has saluted local vets.

Gastonville Elementary Center hosted its 10th annual Veterans Day Celebration Thursday, bringing together veterans, relatives, students and teachers.

More than 150 people, including about 70 veterans attended this year's event.

Organized by the Gastonville teachers and Parent Teacher Association, the event is a patriotic tribute which included presentations by students.

Gastonville is part of the Ringgold School District.

Second grade students read "Thank You, Veterans" poems, while children in kindergarten through fifth grades sang patriotic songs.

Fifth-grade students conducted a flag folding and read "We the People."

Teacher Colleen Tolliver sang "God Bless America," while "Taps" was performed by Daulton Kohl, Beau Stoioff and Matt Wollett.

The school chorus also sang patriotic selections.

A "thank you" video presentation for veterans was played, which featured an honor roll of all the veterans, past and present who have attended the school's program over the years.

PTA volunteer Tracy Gerard said the students look forward to the event each year as many bring their grandparents and other relatives who have served in the armed forces.

"It's very emotional for everyone," Gerard said.

Fifth-grade teacher Bonnie Kirby said the annual veterans program is the "highlight" of her school year.

"We really put a lot into this program because we want our veterans to know how special they are," Kirby said.

Gerard said all branches of the armed services, including ladies auxiliary members, were represented at the program.

All of the students were given flags to wave and gave the veterans a standing ovation.

The veterans and relatives were treated to a hospitality room before and after the program.