Holladay: A thanks for service
A Veterans Day presentation at St. Vincent de Paul school educated students on vets' role in nation's history
By Tabatha Deans, Close-Up Staff, Salt Lake Tribune (November 11, 2006)

More than a dozen students from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic school raised their hands at the school's recent Veterans Day assembly, indicating they had relatives currently serving in the armed forces. The assembly honored veterans and educated students about the importance of military personnel and the role they play in our nation's history. Students and teachers brought photos, medals and other war memorabilia and created a memorial in the gymnasium.

The patriotic assembly began with a flag ceremony, presented by a Girl Scout troop, followed by the school's hand bell players' rendition of "My Country Tis of Thee". Principal Mark Longe reminded his students of the impact veterans have had on the students' freedom. "Without their work for freedom, we might possibly not be here," Longe said.

Students were treated to two DVD presentations including "They Who Serve" and "Thank You to Our troops," both of which chronicled the history of the armed forces and how to support them.

Students got a lesson in U.S. history when retired Navy Capt. Randy Meyers spoke to them. "Two hundred and thirty years ago, this country had a Revolutionary War," Meyers said. "They were denying us free speech and self-protection, just to name a few." He explained the needs addressed by the Constitution of the United States, including the need to form a "more perfect union" and "establish justice". "I want the students to understand that patriotism has a real purpose and comes with a price," Meyers said.

Megan O'Brien, a sixth-grader at St. Vincent de Paul School, said her grandfather was a veteran, and she appreciates the sacrifices he made for her future. "We wouldn't be a free country without them," she said.

Like O'Brien, many students appreciated the assembly because they have grandparents, either living or deceased, who are veterans. "My grandpa was a veteran, it's good to have them recognized," said Robert Garlinghouse, student body president at St. Vincent de Paul's.

Carol Barman, development director for the school, said the Veteran's Day assembly isn't the only thing the school has done to raise their students' patriotic awareness. "We received a 'Becoming American Grant' recently, which included several donated books," said Barman.

The books, which will be explored by students throughout the school year, include stories of various immigrants who came to America, and their struggles and triumphs as they became American citizens.

tdeans@sltrib.com