Stu's News: November 11, 2008

Vol. 5, No. 7 - Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is the day our nation sets aside to thank and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country as members of the military, both in times of war and in times of peace. For many members of our FCPS family, Veterans Day hits close to home. Some of our employees are veterans themselves. Others have loved ones who served or are still serving in our armed forces. Many have family members stationed around the world or facing daily danger in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In this special Veterans Day issue of Stu’s News, we wanted to note staff members who have personal connections to our armed services. With the help of supervisors and principals around the district, we have assembled as complete a list as we could. The sheer size of our school district made this a challenge; please accept our sincere apologies for any omissions. If you know of people we have missed, send an e-mail to Tammy Lane, or call the Communications Office at 381-4108 and we will update this edition of Stu’s News on the Web site.

Sometimes, the best way to express our feelings is through verse or song. Today we offer both as a tribute to our veterans. One of our Lafayette High School seniors, Korey Blake Rose, has written and recorded a song about a family separated by war. In January, he will compete as a national finalist in the Colgate Country Showdown with “Letter from Daddy” and other original songs.

Longtime friend and supporter of our school district Judi Conrad, who has been active in the 16th District PTA and hosts a show on Channel 13, has written a poem about the sacrifices of our veterans. I’ll close with it here:

They saw France from a foxhole, so we could see Paris.
They inhaled mustard gas, so we could breathe fresh air.
They took a dum dum bullet, so our children could become educated.
They lost their youth, so we could have future generations.
They left home and loved ones, so we could keep ours.
They ate rations, so we could have steak.
They gave up time, so we could have years.
They gave up jobs, so we could have one.
They hid in the dark and cold of night, so we could have the daylight.
They suffered in war camps and jungles, so we could keep our freedom.
They paid the bill … we owe the debt.
They risked their lives, so we could stay safe.
It is our turn to reflect, to remember, to rededicate, to repay.
Veterans Day, at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, give these men and women your deepest thanks.

Kids at Ashland Elementary planted rows of American flags in front of the school to cap Tuesday’s celebration. The schoolwide program included a patriotic slide show created by the STLP students and the chorus singing such favorites as “My Country Tis of Thee” and “50 Nifty United States.”

Kindergarteners in Kari Reckart’s art class put the finishing touches on a flag that was sent to the VA Hospital as part of Russell Cave Elementary’s celebration of Veterans Day. The stripes on the flag were made from the children’s handprints, and the stars from their fingerprints.

A color guard from the Cadet Leadership and Educational Program in Breathitt County presented the flags at the Bluegrass Youth Development Center’s Veterans Day program. The activities featured the BYDC choir with several patriot selections including the Navy song “Anchors Aweigh” and “The Marines’ Hymn” (From the halls of Montezuma …).