A school pageant complete with songs, JROTC honor guards, and patriotic pride greeted a handful of local veterans in the Border Belt on a beautiful Friday morning.
Second graders at Tabor City Elementary School hosted a small group of veterans--representing every branch of the armed services, and showed appreciation for what they've done, and what America's fighting men and women are still doing in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and in bases here at home like Fort Hood, Texas, site of Thrusday's horrible mass shooting.
"The young people need to recognize the military isn't all bad," said Master Sergeant Richard Harrelson, who is retired from the Air Force. "I think that's what this is all about."
Students sang songs, and showed off the school's "honor wall," with names of local veterans--alive and deceased--displayed proudly.
Fifth grader Malaysia Small sang the National Anthem at the start of the ceremony.
"I really enjoy singing," Small said before the show. "This is better than just singing any song. I'm singing it for the veterans."
Students at the school have learned about the branches of the military, and about wars past and present.
"I think it's important for us to show how we appreciate the veterans and them fighting for our country," said Small.
The veterans said they appreciated the support, and the chance to get together and tell old war stories.
"We have a good time doing this," said "Pop" Graham, retired from the U.S. Army after 27 years of service, including tours in Vietnam.
Most of the 500-plus students at the school made "thank you" cards for veterans, and the school plans to deliver those cards on Veterans Day to the V.A. hospital in Fayetteville.
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