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Ernest Ward Middle Thanks Veterans, Honors Memory Of LCpl. Travis Nelson
November 10, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School paused to honor veterans from across the area Wednesday in a very big way, while remembering LCpl. Travis Nelson who was killed in action in August in Afghanistan. Nelson attended middle school at Ernest Ward.
The school honored Nelson with a special video and presented flowers to his parents, Scott and Beckie Nelson, who are both veterans.
It was not the first time Ernest Ward students honored Nelson’s memory. When his remains were transported in a motorcade from Pensacola NAS to Atmore, hundreds of Ernest Ward students dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97 and waved American flags. As Nelson’s remains passed his middle school alma mater, the students stood in total silence, hands over their hearts.
“I applaud you Ernest Ward,” guest speaker Malcolm Thomas, Escambia County School superintendent said, ” for what you did that day, the most proud moment I’ve had since I’ve been superintendent.
“As long as there are young people that understand what you understand,” Thomas told the EWMS student body, “I believe that the future and hope of our country is great. You paid the best tribute you could pay that day, by pausing and sacrificing for a fallen hero — someone that was once one of your own.
“He knew that freedom would not be free; he would stand in the gap and fight the fight so we could grow up and enjoy all the freedoms we enjoy in this country.”
The students also took part in a unique “Thank You” video — presenting the words “Thank You” spelled out in various ways across the campus. The video ended with hundreds of Ernest Ward students spelling “Thank You!” on the school’s football field.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
For the LCpl. Travis Nelson video, click here.
For a portion of Malcolm Thomas’s address, click here.
Pictured top: Flowers are presented to Scott and Beckie Nelson, parents of fallen Marine LCpl. Travis Nelson, during a Veterans Day program Wednesday morning at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured inset: Veteran Mike Hanks salutes the American flag during the program. Pictured below: Hundreds of Ernest Ward students spell out a “Thank You!” to veterans on the school’s football field. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
13 Responses to “Ernest Ward Middle Thanks Veterans, Honors Memory Of LCpl. Travis Nelson”
Thank you to everyone who has served , or is serving now. Because of you , we have our freedom. Also thanks to all the kids at EWMS for thinking of the Nelson family and the veterans who gave so much for us. And thank you to Ms. Perry and the staff at EWMS for this fitting tribute, it is awesome!!!!
Earnest Ward middle school and the surrounding area i wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart! as a soldier in the USAF and currently deployed overseas i totally understand the risks involved. thanks agian and HAPPY VETRANS DAY! and i wanna thank every soldier no matter what branch or what job you do i thank you for fighting for mine and my families freedom. and id proudly fight right along side EVERY one of you ,GOD BLESS and you will be in my prayers.
Great article and tribute to Travis and those who serve. I love the picture of the students on the football field. Two young Marines that died while serving our country were recognized for paying the ultimate price on Wednesday. I know the families of both take comfort in knowing how much both communities appreciate their sacrifice.
This is SO special! Wish I could’ve been there. Made me cry just looking at the pictures. My dad was Marine and we should all thank God everyday for the lives we have because of ALL of those soldiers who sacrificed so much. Thank you EWMS for what you have done for the Nelson Family, they deserve so much more.
THANK YOU! Happy Veterans Day.
what an awesome way to honor LCpl Travis Nelson and other veterans Way to go Ernest Ward Middle School
Such a wonderful way to show appreciation to those who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms that we all enjoy. Way to go EWMS.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES MARINE CORP, 236 YEARS. SEMPER FI
What a tribute to the veterans. Makes me proud of the kids and the staff at EWMS.
There are no other words for this but “AWESOME”. I’m the granddaughter of WWII Vet. Thanks to all our service Men and Women..This is special..
What a touching tribute, EWMS. I’m so proud of you kids for taking the time to honor those who fight for our freedom.
>>Just curious how the thank you picture on the football field was taken? A plane?
No plane. I took the photo from a bucket truck provided by Escambia River Electric Cooperative (thanks EREC!). The bucket was about the height of the stadium lights. The photo was shot with an 18mm (fairly wide) lens.
Just curious how the thank you picture on the football field was taken? A plane?
A fitting tribute of thanks to our vets.