For the past eight years, Laning Avenue school has had a Veteran’s Day celebration complete with songs, carnations and heartfelt thanks for our veterans who have served in the five branches of the United States Armed Forces. This year Frank Albano, principal of Laning, included the Merchant Marines, an auxiliary to the United States Navy. Students at Laning sang several tribute songs and then each veteran, a friend or relative of a student at the school, was presented with a carnation as a thank you for protecting us and our freedom. There were two new additions to the presentation this year. Jean Hughes, music teacher for Laning, included a slide show featuring honored guests from this year and years past. The second new addition were students playing tribute songs on the clarinet, led by Max Morden. There were 43 veteran guests, representing 60 students. Accompanied by a full house of parent viewers, it made for an amazing morning.
On a personal note, the ceremony is a very emotional one. In our day-to-day lives (or at least mine) it is easy to forget the struggles that this country has faced in its short history, and the lives lost in those struggles here and abroad. Thank you Veterans, Mr. Albano, Ms. Hughes, Mr. Morden, Ms. Clark and Mrs. Wangner for helping me remember and for teaching our children how fortunate we are and that we should never take our freedom or liberty for granted.
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