FCPS honors veterans, their service
Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Thursday, November 11, 2010
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Teachers and staff brought photos and other mementoes for the annual Veterans Day display at LTMS.
Fayette County students absorbed history and exuded patriotism in Veterans Day observances across the school district.
A pervasive spirit of respect and gratitude was evident as JROTC students presented the colors, schools hosted veterans for lunch, and familiar songs like “America the Beautiful” rang out.
“On this special day, we reflect on the many freedoms we enjoy because of the service given by the men and women in our military,” Superintendent Stu Silberman wrote in a special edition of Stu’s News.
At Lexington Traditional Magnet School
Teachers and staff brought in old family photos of loved ones in uniform, grainy group shots from 1918 and 1943, and mementoes of their own military service. One shared a flag from her grandfather that had flown over the U.S. Capitol.
Cherylene Burruss, a paraeducator who spent 24 years in the U.S. Army, even had a weapons card, which verified she could handle a 9mm semiautomatic pistol back in the day. Nearby was her framed cross-stitch work of “An American Soldier’s Creed.”
As a dental hygienist, she traveled among various clinics – from Panama, Korea, Ecuador and Colombia to Venezuela, Nicaragua and Guatemala.
“When you go to these other countries, it comes alive,” said Burruss, who talks with social studies classes about her military experience.
Students also have a connection with a current service member: 2nd Lt. Holly Hernandez of the 101st Airborne, whose parents teach at LTMS. Bulletin boards in the hallway feature photos of her platoon in Afghanistan, where the kids have sent care packages and letters. Hernandez recently wrote back:
Dear LTMS students,
The snow now is on the Mahipar mountains in Afghanistan. A mix of fall and winter has finally replaced the heat of summer. As my platoon and I have settled in to a daily routine, we have read your letters. Your messages were read with much gratitude! It is reassuring to know that half way around the world in a middle school in Kentucky, students like you are inspiring soldiers in Paktika Province close to the Pakistan border. Thank you all!
Continue to focus on your education, as all of you are blessed with a government and country that wants you to succeed. Remember the children of Afghanistan who face great challenges and are often denied access to an education.
Thank you again for your kind and considerate gesture that cheered up 29 soldiers in a war zone.
Fondly,
2nd Lt. Holly Hernandez
At Morton Middle School
During the morning news show, former principal Jock Gum talked about 41 Morton students who lost their lives during World War II. He has refurbished their memorial plaque, which used to hang in the school’s foyer.
“I polished all the nameplates. It looks good, and it will be back in its rightful place shortly,” he said, noting that today’s students might find family members listed.
Gum, a U.S. Army veteran who served during the 1960s, is researching the WWII veterans’ names at the public library and compiling a booklet to tell the men’s stories.
“It’s just an interesting piece of history, not only for Morton but for all of Lexington,” he said.
At Sandersville Elementary School
First-graders presented a musical tribute on Veterans Day, much to the delight of parents, grandparents, veterans and other guests gathered in the gym.
Dressed in red, white and blue, the kids sang several familiar favorites like “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “This Land is Your Land” and “My Country ’Tis of Thee.”
“Our students have been studying patriotic songs and symbols and their history,” said Jennifer Dalenberg, one of the five teachers.
The children also took turns sharing original acrostic poems honoring veterans. Here’s a sample from each class:
Very special to me
Extraordinary service to our country
Trying to make a difference
Each wanting to be remembered
Responsible to the call of duty
Acting brave and courageous
Noble men and women
– Hannah
Very important to our country
Each one is brave
They are amazing
Every soldier protects our freedom
Respect is what they deserve
Always need our support
Never forget to thank them
– MacKenna
Veterans
Earn our respect
Trained to fight
Example of freedom
Remember them
And honor them
Never forget!
– Juliette
Veterans are special
Each are brave
They protect our country
Earned us our freedom
Risked their lives
America’s heroes
Never forgotten
– Ethan
Veterans are special
Every one of them are brave
They all have a story
Each are unique
Remember them all
Americans that fought for our freedom
Now let’s celebrate them!
– Sydney