White Sands School delivers a spirited tribute for Veterans Day 2023

By Vanessa Flores White Sands Missile Range Public AffairsNovember 13, 2023

White Sands School delivers a spirited tribute for Veterans Day 2023
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – White Sands School organized a special event on Nov. 9, 2023, to commemorate Veterans Day. The school, which is located on White Sands Missile Range, a military installation, made this occasion significant for the entire community, especially for the veterans and parents in attendance. The school paid their respects to the veterans during the event by putting together a special presentation. (Photo Credit: Vanessa Flores, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs) VIEW ORIGINAL
White Sands School delivers a spirited tribute for Veterans Day 2023
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – White Sands School organized a special event on Nov. 9, 2023, to commemorate Veterans Day. The school, which is located on White Sands Missile Range, a military installation, made this occasion significant for the entire community, especially for the veterans and parents in attendance. The school paid their respects to the veterans during the event by putting together a special presentation. (Photo Credit: Vanessa Flores, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL

White Sands School organized a special event on Nov. 9, 2023, to commemorate Veterans Day. The school, which is located on White Sands Missile Range, a military installation, made this occasion significant for the entire community, especially for the veterans and parents in attendance. The school paid their respects to the veterans during the event by putting together a special presentation.

White Sands School delivers a spirited tribute for Veterans Day 2023
White Sands School organized a special event on Nov. 9, 2023, to commemorate Veterans Day. The school, which is located on White Sands Missile Range, a military installation, made this occasion significant for the entire community, especially for the veterans and parents in attendance. The school paid their respects to the veterans during the event by putting together a special presentation. (Photo Credit: Jose Salazar, Photographer White Sands Missile Range) VIEW ORIGINAL

Several students entertained their guests with songs sung and played by the choir, band, and Girl Scouts. The event also featured multiple guest speakers who shared their experiences and words of gratitude. To end the event on a high note, the kids lined up the hallways to personally thank current troops and veterans for their service with cheers and high-fives.

White Sands School delivers a spirited tribute for Veterans Day 2023
White Sands School organized a special event on Nov. 9, 2023, to commemorate Veterans Day. To end the event on a high note, the kids lined up the hallways to personally thank current troops and veterans for their service with cheers and high-fives. (Photo Credit: Vanessa Flores, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL

During the event, several members of the White Sands Missile Range leadership addressed the audience. The first speaker was Col. George C. Turner, the Commander of the White Sands Missile Range. He shared with the kids that he joined the Army to be a winner and then pumped up their spirits by having them shout "sho'nuff" every time he raised his finger in response to phrases such as, "winners do not do drugs, winners do not smoke, winners do not bully, winners do their homework." The speech concluded with the students cheering themselves on as Turner thanked the school for honoring the veterans.

White Sands School delivers a spirited tribute for Veterans Day 2023
White Sands School organized a special event on Nov. 9, 2023, to commemorate Veterans Day. The school, which is located on White Sands Missile Range, a military installation, made this occasion significant for the entire community, especially for the veterans and parents in attendance. The school paid their respects to the veterans during the event by putting together a special presentation. (Photo Credit: Vanessa Flores, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL

In addition, the White Sands Missile Range Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jamal N. Latore, shared his reason for serving with the audience. Latore believes that people meet for a reason. When a recruiter asked him if he wanted to join the Army, he agreed without hesitation, and he made a career out of it. He believes that you can make your own path, and that is exactly what he did.

White Sands School delivers a spirited tribute for Veterans Day 2023
White Sands School organized a special event on Nov. 9, 2023, to commemorate Veterans Day. The school, which is located on White Sands Missile Range, a military installation, made this occasion significant for the entire community, especially for the veterans and parents in attendance. The school paid their respects to the veterans during the event by putting together a special presentation. (Photo Credit: Vanessa Flores, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL

Due to the Friday holiday, the school advanced the event, despite Veterans Day being on Nov. 11. The holiday falls on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" to account for all veterans in all wars.

White Sands School delivers a spirited tribute for Veterans Day 2023
White Sands School organized a special event on Nov. 9, 2023, to commemorate Veterans Day. To end the event on a high note, the kids lined up the hallways to personally thank current troops and veterans for their service with cheers and high-fives. (Photo Credit: Vanessa Flores, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL

White Sands School parents were also invited to join the Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving lunch after the Veterans Day activities.