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Beverly-Center students honor veterans

Students at Beverly-Center Elementary School held their annual Veteran’s Day assembly Thursday, November 9. Members of Russell Chadwick American Legion Post 389, along with members of the Legion Auxiliary and the Beverly Lions Club, brought their message of service to the students and guests in attendance.

Opening with “Call to the Colors,” presentation of the colors, and the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” students then recognized veterans in attendance at the assembly. Steve Wainwright, Legion chaplain and program leader, complimented the children on the respect they showed for the flag. He commented on seeing the children showing proper respect to the flag during parades and their encouraging others with them to do the same.

Fifth graders, under the direction of teachers Jennifer Young and Jessa Ott, presented the remembrance portion of the program. The students began by encouraging the audience to remember our flag and that the veterans who fought for it are just ‘regular people’ who volunteered to serve. They continued by defining Veterans’ Day and reading poems they had written. Students then continued by sharing information about each of the five branches of the military — Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force — their duties, training, and purpose.

This was followed by a candle lighting ceremony. As students lit the candles, the significance of each candle was read. They included: freedom to worship as we choose, appreciation of the right to an education, gratitude for the freedom of speech, recognition of the right of assembly, in honor of the Army, in honor of the Navy, in honor of the Air Force, in honor of the Marines, in recognition of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign War, honor of the National and Coast Guard, honor of American prisoners of war, remembrance of those missing in action, appreciation of veterans in attendance, and remembering those continuing to serve the cause of peace.

The fifth graders recognized their guests in the audience — Gary Naylor, William Bell, and Tom Snider. They concluded by honoring the 21.8 million veterans in the United States today.

Apples and pocket calendars were presented to teachers and classroom aides in recognition of National Education Week and pencils distributed to all the students by the Lions club members.

Representing the American Legion were Steve Wainwright, Vic Smith, Tom Leach, Tom Stan, Paul Jackson, Roger Doak, and Randy Trotter. The Legion Auxiliary was represented by Jean Chapman, Sue Trotter, and Doris Wainwright. Representing both the Legion or the Legion Auxiliary as well as the Beverly Lions Club were Leeann Stan, Tom Stan, Marilyn Leach and Tom Leach. Beverly Lions club members were Kay Shreve and Linda Schaad.

THIS WEEK AT THE LIBRARY

Fall activities continue at the Beverly Library this week. On Monday, November 20, will be the elementary children’s Thanksgiving party from 3:30-4:30. The new time for Story Time continues this Tuesday, November 21 at 6:30 and Wednesday, November 22 at 11 a.m. The same story will be shared at both story times, and adults are reminded the children must be accompanied by an adult during the entire story time which may include crafts, games, snacks, music, and plenty of good books. This week’s topic is ‘Thanksgiving.’

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