Hart veterans day 2019 DSC_0912_web
Local News

District 153 students host vets for Veterans Day celebration

Local veterans attended an assembly in their honor at
James Hart School on Veterans Day.
 (Provided photo)
 

Veterans attend the assembly in their honor
at James Hart School.
 (Provided photo)

Students in District 153 welcomed more than 110 veterans to a morning breakfast and celebration on Veterans Day.

  Students created signs and
  cards honoring veterans who
  were guests at James Hart
  School on Monday. 
(Marilyn
  Thomas/H-F Chronicle)
 

Outside of James Hart School, snow fell as the school band’s trumpeters were sounding a welcome for veterans entering the building. Walls were decorated with handmade “thank you” cards and drawings.

As the honored guests entered the gym, students gave them rousing applause and cheers. Then the gym grew quiet for the student orchestra and choir’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” 

  James Hart musicians play
  in the snow while veterans
  salute the flag during the
  Veterans Day event at the
  school Monday.
  
(Provided photo)
 

Each branch of the service got a special salute from the band under the direction of teacher Matt Johnson. As each anthem was played, members of that branch of the service was asked to stand.

There were words of gratitude from Superintendent Dale Mitchell and others before the vets were ushered into the cafeteria for a light breakfast. Many sat with their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

  Veterans raise the American
  flag in a ceremony before the
  Veterans Day breakfast and
  assembly at James Hart
  School on Monday.
 
  (Provided photo)
 

“When we decided to hold school on Veterans’ Day (in 2015), we were one of the few districts to do so,” Mitchell said. “We thought it was important for our students to recognize our veterans and learn their stories.”

The superintendent said now other districts are emulating District 153’s program.

He and board members are delighted that so many vets, many of whom live in the community, come out each year for the celebration.

News by email

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

Free weekly newsletter

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
Most read stories this week