Honoring Our Veterans

It was standing room only today at the Saint Patrick Catholic School annual Veterans Day program.   Students in grades K – 8, along with many parents and grandparents, gathered in the theater to honor our military who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation and to celebrate the patriotism of our active duty military. Student members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts presented the Colors. Sixth grader, Charlie Violette, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and members of the Theater Department sang a very beautiful, acapela rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Charlie spoke about service and how his father, Commander Michael Violette, U. S. Navy, volunteered to serve his country and is completely dedicated to his job. He went on to state that his father is his role model as well as the “best dad in the world.”    

The entire assembly sang “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.”  Retired Navy Captain Peter DeMane continued with the theme of service.  A father to three former Wolfhounds, Mr. DeMane still volunteers at Saint Patrick and is coordinating the volunteer program for our school.  He spoke about the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment as well as tradition. And, in the tradition of the Navy, he presented a coin to two current Wolfhounds who exemplify service, Julia Varverud and Trevor Maloney. Bravo Zulu to their service. He challenged the students to reflect on their own servant leadership – to think about how they serve and how they can “up their game.”

The program closed with TAPS and the Colors were retired.  On this Veterans Day, let us all take time to reflect on courage, commitment, and service and never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.