Local veterans were treated to “thank yous” from 600 little children Monday when George G. Blaisdell Elementary School in Bradford staged its annual Veterans Day celebration in the gymnasium.
Teacher Samantha Behan, who organized the celebration through the Leader and Me program, said the students created all aspects of the event, which had the theme “Heroes.”
The students decided on songs, speeches and video messages during the morning gathering attended by a number of local veterans and visitors.
“There was a lot to organize, but it’s all student-led,” Behan said. She and another teacher, Connie Shanks, said the students who organized the gathering were nominated by teachers for their leadership abilities.
“The students made videos and little clips” for the event, Behan added. “They also made cards and different gifts” for the veterans.
In addition to the students greeting the veterans and guests at the door, and leading people to the gymnasium, they also provided information on all branches of the military.
Behan said veterans were invited to the event by students who are relatives. In addition, several veterans residing at the Chapel Ridge assisted living facility were invited.
Behan said the guest speaker for the gathering was Staff Sgt. Steve Kloss, a local recruiter for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as well as a teacher at Bradford Area High School.
Kloss said being invited to the event “was definitely an honor to be able to meet and influence these young kids, and honor the veterans here.
“A lot of these (veterans) have been all over the world and done a lot of things, so it’s an honor to be in their presence more than anything,” Kloss remarked.
During his presentation, the student leaders asked Behan a few questions that included why he joined the military, which brought the reply from Kloss that he had wanted to help people. He said he also appreciated the financial help the military provided him in attending college.
Later, Kloss gave the students advice for their school careers and life.
“How can you honor and show veterans your appreciation everyday,” Kloss asked the students. “Here’s what you do … first of all, do good in school, do your work, listen to your teachers and be good to your brothers and sisters. Graduate in 10 to 12 years from now and … be good citizens. It all starts today.”
Following the ceremony, Principal Erin Waugaman said she was pleased with the attendance by the veterans and community members.
“It was just a time to honor the veterans and to teach our children the importance of” Veterans Day, Waugaman said.
A veteran who commented on the gathering was Bill Black of Bradford.
“This is great, I love it,” Black said. “I have two granddaughters (at GGB) … in this day and age there has been a lot of lost respect. But the younger kids are showing more respect and we need that.”
