Edison students spend day off supporting veterans
Braxton Amos, left, waves a flag during an event organized by Edison Middle School to celebrate Veterans' Day Wednesday morning. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Edison Middle School students and their families lined the exterior of Mary B's Diner Wednesday morning to celebrate Veterans' Day. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Braxton Amos, left, waves a flag during an event organized by Edison Middle School to celebrate Veterans' Day Wednesday morning. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Edison Middle School students and their families lined the exterior of Mary B's Diner Wednesday morning to celebrate Veterans' Day. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
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PARKERSBURG - Nearly a hundred Edison Middle School students and their families used part of their day off Wednesday to show their appreciation for veterans, joining school staff for a Veterans Day rally outside of Mary B’s Diner.
For seventh grader Abel Prunty, giving an hour of his time was a small way to recognize what veterans have done for the country.
"The least we can do is sit out here for an hour," Prunty said.
Prunty said the school's resource officer, Bosley, provided flags for students to carry. He and fellow students returned after participating last year, showing their support by running back and forth with the flags.
Seventh grader Braxton Amos said he wanted to recognize the people whose service helped protect others' freedoms.
"I want to support all of the people that supported us," Amos said.
Student Dylan Criss also said he enjoyed the opportunity to support those who served the country.
Principal Janet Sears said the event carried personal significance for members of the school community, including her own family and Edison teachers and substitutes who served in the military.
"We're just so proud and so thankful for their service and their sacrifice," Sears said.
She said participating also helps students understand the connection between military service and the freedoms they enjoy.
"I think it's good to make sure that the youth, that our students, understand that the freedoms we have here were fought for," Sears said.
Charlene Collins, a Marine Corps veteran who teaches sixth grade science at Edison, said the rally offered an opportunity to recognize veterans and remember those who died in service.
"It's just a way to give back to the community and show support for all the veterans that we have present and those that gave the ultimate sacrifice," Collins said.
Collins said many students have a personal connection to military service. When asked in class whether they know a veteran or have one in their family, she estimated about 75% raise their hands.
Students also contributed by making signs for the rally, she said. Collins said those efforts give young people a way to show appreciation through their creativity and willingness to participate.
"If they're creating something for the rally, it's just of their talent and their time," she said.