Wes Walker-Kern Valley Sun

Children of all ages from Kindergarten through eighth grade from both South Fork Elementary School and South Fork Middle School joined efforts Friday, November 9 to put on the school’s third annual Veterans appreciation ceremony.¬ÝSince its inception three years ago, the ceremony has steadily evolved adding new features each year.¬Ý As always though, the ceremony opened with a presentation from the color guard from China Lake followed by the pledge of allegiance.¬ÝEach class then took their turn in presenting to the audience, comprised of proud parents and local veterans, with their act of appreciation.¬Ý Every grade and age level participated in the ceremony; each offering their unique way of thanking the veterans for their invaluable contribution.¬Ý Some presentations were more dramatic than others but all followed the same theme of appreciation and admiration.¬Ý

Perhaps the most unique presentation of the ceremony was Rose Schermerhorn’s class thank you to veterans communicated to the audience using American Sign Language.¬Ý Younger students participated as well; some classes had each student read a short explanation for why they were proud to be an American while other classes entertained the audience with their performance of Yankee Doodle Dandy.¬ÝThe ceremony was emotional and varied shifting gears with each consecutive performance. Older students brought a more serious edge to the ceremony delivering heartfelt speeches each conveying their unlimited gratitude to men and women in uniform often times detailing the specific sacrifices made by those who have defended and those who continue to defend our country and our freedom.¬ÝThe ceremony concluded with a very emotional playing of each of the branch’s theme songs played while the men and women who served in that branch stood to be individually recognized.¬Ý Following the ceremony students exited the gymnasium first to set the stage for one final surprise thank you to veterans.¬Ý Students lined up outside the gymnasium to create a tunnel nearly 300 feet long.¬ÝAs veterans exited student’s cheered loudly offering their hands out to passing veterans most of which could hardly contain the smiles on their faces.¬Ý Some students held signs displaying brief thank you messages while others waved American flags vigorously through the air shouting their thanks to the passing veterans.¬Ý As veterans reached the end of the tunnel the doors were opened to the community center to welcome the veterans in for refreshments.¬Ý

From top, South Fork students shower veterans with thanks after the Veterans Day ceremony held at South Fork Middle School Friday, November 9, The color guard opened the ceremony Friday when they marched to the front of the gymnasium presenting the colors, Some enthusiastic students smile as they wave their flags during the ceremony, Mary Beth Olive holds the microphone as young students read their thanks to veterans for protecting our freedom, and Hundreds of students excitedly wave their flags during the ceremony.

South Fork students truly provided an appropriate preamble to Monday’s Veteran’s Day, one that the Veteran’s who attended will surely never forget.