Alma Schrader celebrates Constitution Day

Hand-drawn patriotic pictures and construction paper flags covered the walls during Alma Schrader Elementary School's 12th annual Constitution Day and Heroes Recognition Assembly.

Students and their families gathered to hear speeches from community members about heroes of the past and present. Southeast Missouri State University history professor Adam Criblez spoke on heroes of the Constitution era, and Cape Girardeau police chief Wes Blair spoke on honoring everyday heroes, such as police officers, firefighters and nurses. State Sen. Wayne Wallingford of Cape Girardeau also attended.

Jerry Ford and Alma Schrader music teacher Rebecca Gentry provided music during the assembly, performing "The Star-Spangled Banner," "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" and taps.

According to principal Ruth Ann Orr, the school began holding the event before the state mandated the celebration of Constitution Day, which is Sept. 17. She said the school held its inaugural event on the first anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"We knew we had to do something," she said. "It was still raw in everyone's minds."

She said the event is highly anticipated each year by students. It gives them the opportunity not only to watch, but participate by singing with their class or by walking across the stage and introducing their heroes.

Wednesday morning, dozens of students walked hand in hand with aunts, uncles, parents and grandparents who served in the military, on police forces and fire departments or in the medical field.

Blair and Wallingford stood on the stage and shook hands with each of them after their introduction. Blair said it was "awesome" to see everyday heroes honored.

"So many men and women, not just police officers and firefighters, but people in the military and nurses, don't get the recognition they deserve. They're not glorified on television like rock stars or athletes," Blair said. "It's nice to see them be recognized, especially in front of such a young crowd."

Orr echoed that sentiment, noting the assembly was the first "welcome home" for some of the soldiers who walked across the stage Wednesday.

"It's such a privilege to provide that [welcome]," she said. "It's so important the students learn about the sacrifices others have given to protect our country."

srinehart@semissourian.com

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