Veterans share with Jr. Beta Club at Sumter Elementary

From Staff Reports

AMERICUS — Long before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, another 11th day was already being proudly celebrated in America. Veterans Day honors all veterans of the United States armed forces. A traditional observation is a moment of silence at 11 a.m., remembering those killed in war. This commemorates the 1918 armistice, which began at “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

There were several celebrations through Sumter County Schools on Nov. 11. The mid-day celebration at Sumter County Elementary School was planned and presented by the 46 members of the Junior Beta Club. The “Adopt a Vet” observance initiated with a welcome from Jada Boyd, president of the club now beginning its fourth year. Hannah Becton then presented the American flag and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sharon Tyson presented a fact-filled video about the Veterans Day observance before a stirring rendition by student Aurion Tommie with assistance by Andrea Nichols.

Kelly Ingle then introduced the speakers of the day. The first two were her parents. Melissa Ingle shared with the students of her early enlistment, first deployment and call from home with a small child. “I went to California and Hawaii and thought my military service would be a breeze at these two sites. Things changed and I learned that military service requires dedication. There are trails in military service but now I am home where I love and with my family,” she said.

Robert Ingle said, “We like a lot of ‘stuff.’ We are spoiled. Where I served, some kids cannot go or are not allowed to go to school. In the United States, we are committed to sacrifice as we must and if needed, leave family, to serve.” Robert Ingle served along with two of his brothers in active duty at the same time.

The third veteran to speak was Rick Hanley, now employed by Austin Urethane. “I have a family involvement with the Army and military tradition. My father served 30 years in the Army. I was in the Philippines and this was an eye-opening experience. Schools had four corner posts and dirt floors. Kids were taught by nuns. There were no public schools. I had entered the service with no idea of responsibility. I served in Germany as a colonel’s driver. My job was to take care of this colonel. I got him morning coffee, a newspaper … whatever he wanted.

As Hanley shared his experiences, he produced a piece of the Berlin Wall. “It is quite important to Germans that this wall is now gone. We celebrated this wall’s removal this week. I will pass this piece of the wall for you to experience the feeling this boundary must have had for many people,” offered Hanley. Hanley continued his talk with expressions of patriotism and love of country as a theme that the assembled students should appreciate. “Don’t take school for granted. This is a great privilege for you. This is the greatest country in the world. Enjoy your life; enjoy your freedom in America. We should pause and take time to remember those who served so that we can enjoy the places and the times we do in this great land,” he said.

The Ingles presented tee shirts to the students as well as other gifts.

After the presentation to the Junior Beta Club, Hanley spoke to a third-grade class about Germany and the Berlin Wall. The class researched Germany for the Multicultural Fair on Nov. 2 and were delighted to see an actual piece of the wall as well as an authentic German soldier's beret.

At the close of the Veterans Day observance, Principal Sharon Marcus offered her appreciation and presented each of the three with a fruit basked or green plant as a token of their time at Sumter County Elementary.

Text Only