Highlands Elementary salutes local veterans with song, breakfast

Students at Highlands Elementary School applauded local veterans during a celebratory breakfast Thursday. But there were deeper lessons learned over pancakes and sausage.

“I know what a POW is,” said third grader Connor Smith, whose special guest was his grandfather Grover Smith, who served in Vietnam as a Marine. “Before I was born, when people got captured by the enemy and they didn’t come home yet, that’s a POW. My grandpap says we don’t want to ever forget them.”

The elder Smith was among 75 military veterans from all branches and eras who attended the first annual event. It was organized by teacher Mark Duncan, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard, and his fellow third grade staff.

The 90-minute program included a hot meal, shared stories and free hand-beaded bracelets for all veterans. Bugle music played softly through the PA system.

The song “On Veterans Day” by Karl Hitzemann was performed by youngsters, who lined the walls in the school’s cafeteria with hands over their hearts.

The lyrics summed up the day’s intent — to salute the veterans for their service.

“You sacrificed to serve our nation, you make us proud in many ways,” the song goes. “Because of you we have our freedom, we honor you on Veterans Day.”

Principal Stanley Whiteman, a Plum native, is the son of a Marine Corps sergeant. He learned early to honor those who served the country.

A few years ago, his father became ill and received treatment from the VA Hospital in Oakland. During his dad’s 53-day stay, Whiteman visited often and built a relationship with some of the other patients.

“I was able to view the outreach from students in local schools who have sent cards and drawings to honor them,” he said. “I was very impressed by those schools that shared the importance of honoring our veterans, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.”

Air Force veteran Robert Hayden attended the Highlands event with family members Grayson and Ezra Killian, second and first graders, respectively.

“I love interacting with the kids,” said Hayden of Tarentum, who served during Operation Desert Storm. “They’re our future leaders.”