Perdido School Honors Veterans

November 12, 2011

Over 100 veterans and family members attended the annual Salute to Veterans at Perdido Elementary/Middle School.

Submitted by Perdido Elementary/Middle School

The annual event began with veterans and their guests being greeted at their cars and assisted by the members of Perdido’s football team. Once they reached the front of the gym, Pre-K and Kindergarten students welcomed them with cheers, flags, pom-poms and pin-wheels. Members of Alabama’s Patriot Guard stood at attention as all of the guests entered.

Inside, the Escambia County High School NJROTC posted the colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Perdido Cub Scouts; Mason Smith, JT Clay and Christopher Johnson. This was followed by the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner by the Perdido Band, under the direction of Ms. Melanie Brannon. The band also performed “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful”. Special guests; Alabama Representatives, Alan Baker and Harry Shiver, Dr. Barry Booth – South Alabama Honor Flight Director, members of the Atmore VFW, and American Legion, members of the Alabama Patriot Guard, and Major Arthur Byrne, representing the Baldwin County Sheriffs Department and were recognized by Principal, Craig Smith, The Perdido Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Dell Edwards sang, “Blue, Red and White,” and “Alabama”.

Perdido Middle School students have participated in the annual Patriots Pen Essay Contest for the past six years, and the top three students shared theirs. Those students were: Evan Williams, Ashley Presley and Tori Clark. Their essays have been submitted to the Atmore VFA, where they will compete against other middle school students throughout the area.

Guest speaker, retired Major Gaston Jones, challenged and inspired students, teachers and Veterans alike, as he shared of his experiences from: growing up in a military family, to playing football at Marion Military Institute. He then pursued a full-time military career until his retirement as a Chaplin in the United States Air Force. He is currently the Commander of the AFJROTC at Baldwin County School.

A special presentation was made to the family of Lance Cpl Bruce Ferrell, Jr. USMC. Representative Baker spoke of the dedication and sacrifice made by the former Perdido student, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States, on August 10, 2009, with his life. He then presented the family with the Alabama State Flag and the United States Flag which was flown over the Capital in memory of Lance Cpl Ferrell.

Closing remarks were given by Assistant Principal Ms. Karen Dyess and were followed by the playing of  “Taps” by Perdido students Corbin Hill and Wesley Rabren.

Everyone then enjoyed a reception held in honor of those men and women who faithfully served the United States, our veterans.

Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Perdido School Honors Veterans”

  1. CC on November 12th, 2011 11:02 am

    ….AND I SEE SANDRA TOO! HEY SANDRA!

  2. cc on November 12th, 2011 11:00 am

    THANK YOU VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE! I SEE DANNY N ON THE FRONT ROW! HEY DANNY!!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News