HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN `TRIBUTE TO VETERANS'

For many veterans, Veterans Day is no holiday. These days, few people stop to reflect on their bravery and sacrifice in defending America.

But for the Cape Central High School Renaissance Club, the holiday was an opportunity to honor veterans for distinguished service to their country. The students sponsored a "Tribute to Veterans" assembly Monday morning in Cape Central's auditorium.

"I loved seeing their eyes light up," said Katie Limbaugh, a club member and senior. "It's just so neat for them because they don't usually get this."

Veterans from the Revolutionary and Civil wars, World War I and World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and the Persian Gulf War were honored through songs and speeches, as were prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action, peacetime soldiers and veterans organization auxiliary members.

Eighteen Purple Heart recipients, who received the honor for being wounded in the line of duty, and two Gold Star Mothers, who lost children in Korea and Vietnam, were also recognized. A survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack was also present for the program.

Most of the 956 seats in the auditorium were filled by veterans, auxiliary members, teachers and parents. Approximately 500 students from social studies, English, band and acting classes also attended the program.

"We're very proud of our students," said Julia Jorgensen, Renaissance coordinator. "I don't think you can expect them to be strong patriots if you don't teach them what so many people have done for our country."

Jorgensen wrote nearly all of the essays presented by the students during the assembly. She said a lot of research went into the project to gain figures and information about local veterans. However, she said, most of the work for the program went into the planning, and not rehearsing.

"I'm very proud because we didn't practice at all," said Jorgensen. "All of the students were very busy with sports and other activities, so we never rehearsed. I was lucky to have bright kids who are articulate."

Visitors were impressed by the students' presentations, poise and manners. Many veterans said they appreciated how well-behaved the students were, and how the students clapped when veterans were recognized.

"I thought this was such an exceptional program," said Lou Laundhardt, chaplaincy coordinator for the Veterans Home. "It's important for our students to know about vets, and for students to have the experience of seeing vets and responding to them as they did I thought was exceptional."

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary #63 were equally impressed by the students.

"I thought the program was wonderful in every way," said Barbara Yallaly, a member of the group. "We were very impressed. In fact, we're going back and we're going to make a donation to the club."

Jorgensen, who has an 18-year old son, said the program was a commendable way to remember Veterans Day. "It is a sad fact that our veteran numbers are going down," she said, "although that makes me happy as a mother." Jorgensen said she just hopes the assembly helped to instill in the students pride in American veterans.

Launhardt agreed. "There's a big segment of the people who care about the vets," he said, "but there's also a big segment who don't give much thought to them. I'm very happy because this helps to reach those people."