Serving Those Who Have Served Our Country: Veterans Day 2017

A veteran of the U.S. Army, and parent of a Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School student, fought back tears as he was describing his favorite part of the school’s Veterans Day program.

“I don’t want to be emotional about it, but that’s how I feel when I see those kids out there singing and saying ‘thank you,’” said Nana Atkens.

Sheppard Elementary School’s event featured boy scouts escorting veterans to their seats of honor, the singing of patriotic songs, photo shoots and a breakfast.

Librarian Sharon Prince helped coordinate the day’s program. She said it was the least she could do for those who have dedicated their lives for our freedom.

Veterans lined the hallways and were thanked by students.

“We just want them to understand how much we appreciate them because they have been out in the trenches and taking care of us to help keep us safe,” Prince explained.

The campus Veterans Day program is just one of many events happening around Mansfield ISD to show a token of appreciation to the nation’s heroes. Community veterans were invited to attend so that students and staff could personally thank them.

Atkens said he could definitely feel the love.

“That means a lot,” he added. “Veterans Day just means a lot to me.”

The week’s events were a precursor to a major Veterans Day parade that will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11. MISD will be taking part in the City of Mansfield’s inaugural Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m.

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets from each traditional high school will be participating along with the Legacy High School and Mansfield High School bands.

Although actions and words may never be enough to repay the sacrifices paid by our nation’s veterans, Mansfield ISD is proud to honor the men and women who have spent their lives serving us.

Thanking Those Who Have Served Our Country

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 18 million people in the United States who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Several campuses across Mansfield ISD took the time to thank each of them in a very special way on Nov. 11.

Military veterans related to MISD students and staff were invited to a variety of Veterans Day events, ranging from breakfasts and luncheons to assemblies and parades. It was a day of appreciation, but also a time for students to learn why Americans have the freedoms they enjoy today.

“We know that we are the greatest country in the world because of the sacrifice that’s been given by our men and women in the armed forces,” said Dr. Michael Evans, school board trustee and military veteran.

Evans said he was proud to see all the veterans who were getting a hero’s welcome, and he salutes MISD for the many ways gratitude was shown toward them.

“It’s important for our students to recognize where all of their privileges come from,” Evans continued. “It comes from these people who have given their lives and who have laid it all on the line for them.”

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919 to mark the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress later passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance. Armistice Day was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954.

View details about what each MISD campus did to honor the nation’s veterans here.

Can't see the photo gallery? View it here.

Land of the Free Because of the Brave

No matter which Mansfield ISD school you stepped foot into on Veterans Day, there was a recurring theme of extreme gratitude from staff and students.

Veterans were invited to an array of events, which included flag raisings, free breakfast, patriotic programs, and parades. It may not seem like a big gesture—and compared to the sacrifice our service men and women make to serve our country, it’s not—but it was a token of appreciation that went a long way for those who served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

A veteran at one of the campus events wearing
a reminder that freedom costs.

For Lyle Keith, who retired from the U.S. Army with a ranking of Spec. 5, programs like “Bring a Vet to Lunch” at Elizabeth Smith Elementary are special.

“I’m the only vet in the family for my granddaughters, so I took a day off to be here,” said Keith who has two granddaughters at Smith Elementary. “I feel it’s very important because it gives these children a heritage and teaches respect for veterans.”

Grace Lindsay, second lieutenant in Summit High School’s JROTC program, said she’s proud to celebrate Veterans Day because veterans are the foundation of the country.

“They’re the people who’ve given us what we need—the people who’ve shown us that we can do our stuff with them as our front line,” said Lindsay. “They can protect us and still keep us safe even when we’re at school.”

Because we realize that freedom is not free, MISD thanks all those who served the U.S. in times of war and peace. Veterans Day is celebrated once a year every Nov. 11, but our appreciation will last a lifetime.


View the full Mansfield ISD Veterans Day 2015 photo gallery here.