Happy Veterans Day!
On November 8th at 8:30 AM, Gunter ISD welcomed the local Veterans for our Annual Veterans Day Celebration. Please watch our special slide show presentation from our program by clicking here.
The program began with the 3rd grade choir singing, "We Honor You". The sweet, sweet voices echoing these words touched many hearts. "You sacrificed to serve our nation. You make us proud in many ways. Because of you we have our freedom. We honor you on Veterans Day" Thank you to the 3rd grade and Mrs. Perez for working so hard to give such a wonderful gift to our Veterans.
Gunter Boy Scout Troop 3 carried the flags and posted them at their rightful place in the center of the Event Center. They led the Pledge of Allegiance and then Audrey McGaughey beautifully performed the National Anthem.
Mr. Josh Barton, GHS Principal, welcomed everyone to the event. He reminded us to always thank the people who serve our country and reiterated the reason why this program is so important. Our students have the chance to see, hear from, and learn about the jobs and sacrifices our military men and women make to keep our nation safe and to protect our freedom.
The GHS Band performed the Branches of Armed Services while the members from each branch stood at the sound of their official song that represents its values, traditions, and culture.
Guest Speaker and Chief of Police in Gunter, Texas, Chief Danny Jones reminded us that the Veterans are the backbone of our democracy. We should honor their legacy by supporting our veterans, reaching out and helping those who struggle, and advocate for better mental health care for all those who served. Thank you, Chief Jones, for your service and for reminding us to be better people.
5th grade students, under the direction of Mrs. McGaughey, performed, "A Grateful Nation". The song begins, "You have our backs, you always do, you know that we rely on you." The song not only is touching as a performance for our Veterans, it also aids us in teaching our students about our nation and why we must be grateful for everything our service men and women do.
The Call of Service portion of our celebration honored each and every Veteran who attended. Mr. Price Ferrell read the name, service dates, branch, and roles while each man or woman stood before the crowd. Every Veteran received a round of applause, and we hope that small act of kindness showed them how truly grateful we are for their service.
The ending might have found a tear rolling down your cheek. Veteran, Todd Carruthers dressed in the military kilt, walked the perimeter of the Veterans seating area while playing, "Amazing Grace" on the bag pipes. It is so beautiful to watch the students as they turn their attention to the graceful sounds, and the crowd becomes mesmerized through the entire walk from entrance to exit.
Mr. Martindale closed the assembly and invited the Veterans to a brunch prepared by the Gunter ISD Food Service Department, GHS PTO and Gunter Brew House.
Special thanks to the following people who made this celebration a success:
Lead Organizer - Mrs. Charlotte Ruffle
Veteran Check in - Ms. Chonté Reeves and Mr. Price Ferrell
Brunch (Meal) - GISD Food Services Department headed by Mrs. Lauren Rogers
Brunch (Coffee Bar) - Gunter Brew House
Brunch (Bakery & Goodies) - GHS PTO
Centerpieces - Mrs. Jordan Kimbrell and her GHS Floral Design Classes
Greeting and Assisting Veterans to their Seats - FFA Officers
Serving Coffee and Busing Tables - NHS Officers
Welcome Banner - Mrs. Kendyll Hardin and the GHS Art Classes
Photography: Marion Cole and GHS Yearbook Advisor, Kelly Guice