Liberty Pines Academy students honor veterans

Liberty Pines Academy students honor veterans

Michael Isam
Special to Historic City News

All through the presentation at Liberty Pines Academy, battle-hardened veterans quietly wiped tears from their eyes and searched pockets frantically for tissues or handkerchiefs as they were overcome with emotion over the ceremony honoring American veterans.

Each class, from first grade through sixth, marched in and sang to the veterans. Selections included “It’s a Grand Old Flag”, “This Land is Made for You and Me” and more — each with its own choreography.

“Since my return from ‘Nam, nobody got inside my shell, nobody — until today,” said one grizzled veteran who asked not to be identified. “I withstood many things during and after the war, most unspeakable; but, when I looked out on that sea of innocence looking directly at me and straight into my heart …” He turned and left without finishing.

Cell phones, small digital cameras, and cameras bearing large telescope lens popped out from all over as proud moms and dads recorded for posterity their children’s deeds.

As the school band played the theme of each branch of service, members of that branch stood in honor. Each branch received a rousing round of applause. It was clear in many cases this recognition from the children touched the hearts of the veterans as they wiped tears from their eyes.

The finale of the presentation, “Proud to be an American” by recording artist Lee Greenwood, brought down the house. By the second round of the chorus the audience was singing back to the students and it was not quite clear who was the happiest. Although it was not a contest, the clear winners were the veterans.

After the presentation, the children rushed to veterans to thank them for their service. Lots of handshakes, salutes were exchanged, but there many hugs given and received as well.

“This annual event really warms my heart — the outpouring of respect from the children and the teachers is incredible,” said Bill Dudley, Chairman of the Veterans Council of St Johns County. “It is one thing to get recognition from our older generations, the people my age look up to, but to receive it from children, the age of some veteran’s great-grandchildren, brings pride in our nation to the forefront.”

Dudley told reporters that he applauded the teachers of these children at Liberty Pines Academy for helping to keep the dream alive. Another Vietnam veteran summed it all up, “Cecil B. DeMille, eat your heart out — you could learn a lot from these kids.”

Photo credits: © 2013 Historic City News contributed photograph by Michael Isam