A day to honor soldiers' sacrifices

With the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" playing in the background, local veteran Bob James proudly walked across Central High School gymnasium Monday and accepted his honorary diploma from high school principal Dr. Mike Cowan.

The moment was a long time in the making for James, who quit high school to serve in the military during the Korean conflict.

Area high school students gained a new appreciation for the many sacrifices made by America's veterans during Veterans Day ceremonies held in the Jackson and Cape Girardeau school districts.

The school tributes were just part of a day full of events recognizing veterans, including several flag-raising ceremonies and a parade in Jackson.

"I never thought much about it until today, but this has given me so much more respect for veterans," said Kasper Woldtvedt, a ninth-grader at Central High School in Cape Girardeau.

Woldtvedt and other Central students attended a tribute, which included performances by the high school chamber choir and orchestra, with local veterans and their families.

"I think it's fantastic that the school does this," said Jewell Lincecum, who is a member of VFW auxiliary. "Undoubtedly, they're trying to instill in these youth what I feel is very important, which is to recognize our veterans, and a love for our country and the freedom that we have."

The tribute include the reading of the names of 67 Central High School alumni who died in the line of duty and a look back at each war in which America has fought.

Students welcomed the opportunity to express their gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans.

"I'm very honored to share this with those who have served in the military," said 11th-grader Amanda Benn. "It shows how much we love our country."

Veterans themselves were also grateful for the chance to remember their fallen comrades as well as those who currently serve in the armed forces.

"It was just beautiful -- something the community needs to get behind," said former VFW commander Harlan Hager of Cape Girardeau.

"Looking around, I was amazed at the idea that those students will be the ones protecting this country when we're gone," Hager said. "I thought it was great."

Jackson High School celebrated the day in much the same fashion, with a video tribute, poems and a performance by the senior boys quartet.

As part of the ceremony, the American Legion Post 158 color guard posted their colors.

"I think it's great the school district gets involved," said VFW member Charles Hutson. "This brings a little patriotism to schools, and that's something kids today need."

Almost cried

Erika Upchurch and Kyla Weaver, both seniors at Jackson High School, said the ceremony was so touching they almost cried.

"It made me realize it doesn't just stop when the war ends. We need to keep appreciating veterans," Upchurch said.

Weaver said she enjoyed watching the veterans' reactions to the tribute.

"It was special to see them so caught up in the moment," Weaver said.

This was the second year for Jackson school's Veterans Day program and the eighth year for Cape Girardeau.

"We never recognize our veterans and their service enough," said Jean Schweain, a former Jackson teacher who helped organize the school's tribute.

"There were 500 kids in the auditorium this morning, but you could have heard a pin drop it was so quiet during the program. That amazed me," Schweain said.

cclark@semissourian.com

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