GATESVILLE, Texas -- The city of Gatesville, along with First Army Division West, honored veterans and servicemembers of the United States Armed Forces with a ceremony on the local football field Nov. 11.
"President John F. Kennedy once said, 'a nation reveals itself, not only by the men it produces, but by the men it honors, the men it remembers'," said Maj. Gen. Warren E. Phipps Jr., Division West commanding general and guest speaker for the event. "Today we share the commitment with the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our great nation."
Division West, whose partnered with the community of Gatesville for many years now, provided a static display of military vehicles, for the Veterans Day ceremony. The day's event, however, were presented and completely run by Gatesville students.
The event started early in the morning with a complimentary breakfast in the high school cafeteria before the ceremony on the field.
The master of ceremonies, Colton Abbott, and his fellow students, presented an array of vocations and talents to demonstrate their appreciation for the veterans. The Gatesville primary, elementary and intermediate school students, as well as the students from Jonesboro Independent School Districts, all joined in on the morning ceremony.
"As a school and student counsel, we try to honor veterans and by community program, we invite the entire school district…it's just a way for our kids to realize that Veteran's Day is a very important day," said Mary Bruton, student counsel advisor and teacher with Gatesville ISD. "This was a huge turnout and we welcome Soldiers from the South Carolina and Minnesota National Guard. It was a beautiful day and it went very well."
The local veterans were thankful for the ceremony and all the accolades.
One student explained it best from an essay she wrote, "with patriotism to kindle our flame, we as a nation, will never burn out."
Related Links:
"Like Division West on Facebook"
"See Division West photos on Flickr"
Social Sharing