by Cara Russell
Veterans from many wars were honored by K-6 students at Orcas Elementary. Photo: Kathy Page
The cafeteria at the Orcas Island Public School served as a place of ceremony this morning, as veterans and the K-6 graders filled the room for a Veteran’s Appreciation Service.
New elementary School Principal, Kathy Page, and a big supporter of veterans arranged the event. “It’s going to be a special ceremony,” said Page with a satisfied smile, as she walked over from her office. “People are already crying as they meet up with each other. We have provided tissues.”
The ceremony started with the Presentation of the Colors by members of the Orcas Island American Legion. The children looked on with new and interested eyes and minds. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, then a performance of the Star Spangled Banner by the Orcas Island Community Band—at which 25 members played today.
Students at Orcas Elementary sit in respect and awe to honor veterans this morning. Photo: Cara Russell
Elementary school students, Thian Armenia, Flora Lister, and Evie Smith read letters of appreciation they wrote to the veterans. Thian, Flora, and Evie were only three of the students who wrote letters for the veterans. Eyes welled as the young Armenia softly spoke into the mic, “Always remember that you are never forgotten.” Teacher Pamela Wright then led the 5th and 6th grade choir in singing We Will Not Forget.
“My husband is my hero,” said Kathy Page as she introduced Staff Sergeant Mike Page, of the 101st Airborne. Decorated for valor in 2003, Mr. Page was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq.
Mr. Page spoke of the time he had spent in An Najaf and showed a slideshow of villages, green landscapes, and the day he met retired Army General Tommy Franks. The kids loved the slideshow, and all “ooh’d, ahh’d, and eww’d” in reaction to every sunset, camel, spider, and lizard that popped up onto the screen.
Councilman Rick Hughes stressed to the kids the importance of getting involved in the community through volunteering. “After all, we wouldn’t be living in such a wonderful place if it wasn’t for our veterans,” Hughes said.
Kathy Page thanked everyone for coming, and expressed her appreciation to the community for helping make the ceremony special.
A special thank you to The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, Demetri and Lorena Stankevich, Velma Doty, Chef Zach, Debbie Guilford, Councilman Rick Hughes, Mike Page, Orcas Island Community Band, Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien, Pamela Wright, Darren Dix, and Orcas Elementary staff and students.
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Thankyou everyone involved in the veteran’s celebration and breakfast. I really appreciated it! Great breakfast Zack!! Mike Bartram, Army ’68-’70
Thak you Kathy! This was a great event to attend. As a non-veteran is was inspiring to see our veterans and our kids come together for this event.
Very special thanks to Mike for putting together a slide show that let our school kids see the faces and places of the Iraq War in a way that they don’t usually get to see.
It was a humbling experience to be part of and one that is sure to be a welcomed tradition on Orcas.
And most of all, Thank You Vets!
Great to see young kids getting to meet some of America’s heroes face to face. Thanks to those responsible.
Thanks for your service, Vets!
Totally inspiring Kathy, wish I had seen the slide show, but a drummer’s life is never easy. Maybe next time I’ll be in front of the screen.
Fantastic community response and huge thanks to you and Mike and of course Zack for the breakfast.Count on me every time.