The Daily Times

Eagleton Elementary School recently paid tribute to our nation and the sacrifices that our servicemen and servicewomen have paid throughout history.

School officials Thursday staged the product of more than four months of hard work and planning.

Music teacher James Gann spearheaded the school’s efforts.

Nearly 200 fourth- and fifth-graders sang a musical tribute. Students also read poems and thank-you notes to veterans throughout the program.

Blount County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Rick Baker, Eagleton Elementary’s school resource officer, read a letter written by former President George W. Bush for the event.

Audience members also honored 30 veterans from the five service branches in its “Armed Forces Salute.” Eagleton Elementary School also hosted several dignitaries, including U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., state Sen. Doug Overbey and Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell. Duncan delivered the program’s keynote address.

The congressman thanked veterans for their service, especially those veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. He also thanked everyone who serves in an “honorable profession,” such as doctors, teachers and factory workers.

Duncan then presented two anecdotes to audience members. He recalled the efforts of a Cuban refugee to reach America and a Vietnam prisoner of war who struggled to stay alive and return home.The congressman concluded his address by talking about the country’s blessings. “Half of the world’s population, three billion people, live on less than $2 a day. They’ve never gone to the mall. They don’t own two sets of clothes. We’re blessed beyond comprehension to be here.”

Patriotic event

Students were honored to participate in the Veterans Day program.

“I was a little nervous at first, but I quickly became excited and happy to be able to honor them,” said Olivia Smith.

“Our veterans need to be honored more, because they protect our country and keep us safe.”

“I really liked to see all the veterans who visited our school,” said Macey Harbin. “They’re very special people who are very important to us. The least that we could do was thank them and sing for them.”

“I really enjoyed it, and I appreciated that the school took the time to organize it,” said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Lake Subsavad, whose daughter, Madison, attends Eagleton Elementary School. “It was a great event that brought the entire community together.”