Veterans Honored in EUP Communities
School Children Lead the Celebration in St. Ignace
By Paul Gingras

Kindergarten students Hallie Marshall (from left), Chelsea Coleman, and Caleb Brown, with Elementary and Middle School Principal Bonnie Ledy, lead veterans, teachers, choir members, and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance Monday, November 12.

In a break from tradition, it was students speaking to veterans, rather than the reverse, which carried the St. Ignace Area Schools Veterans Day assembly Monday, November 12.

Heeding a suggestion from the St. Ignace American Legion Post, the assembly featured student voices, notably seventh-grade speakers Molly Paquin and Marina Brown.

Miss Paquin spoke of the importance of the day, noting the sacrifices area veterans have made in service to the United States. Her speech focused on her conviction that veterans deserve respect, regardless of whether they have become famous, received special awards, or if they are commonly seen marching in parades.

Miss Paquin called on the public to remember that veterans once left family and friends to face battle, having no assurance that they would return.

Seventh grade students Molly Paquin (left) and Marina Brown pose before delivering their Veterans Day speeches at St. Ignace Middle School Monday, November 12.

In her address to the 42 veterans in attendance, she said, "You know who you are inside, what you have done, and you know where you have been. Thank you."

Seven widows of deceased veterans also attended the event. Each veteran attending was asked to stand for individual applause while his or her name and branch of service was read aloud by school Superintendent Mike Springsteen. The large audience of students, veterans' families, and the public gave the group an ovation at the conclusion of their introductions.

Miss Brown spoke of the power of the national anthem and the word "patriotism."

"When I hear the national anthem at a football game or a basketball game, it draws my attention away from everything else and makes me realize how many people risked their lives to protect all of us," she said.

Amazed by the courage of veterans, she said that without their service, "We would not be free. We probably would not have any rights. America would not be the wonderful place that it is now."

Among many military veterans attending the school ceremony, veterans Mike Lasley (from left) of St. Ignace, Vern Erskine, and his son, Brad Erskine, both of Moran, salute the U.S. Coast Guard color guard. Color guard members (not in order) are Sam Wilson, Mike Kanyl, Nathan Hatch, and Angellee Shoff.

Students handled nearly every aspect of the event, from registering veterans to taking down the chairs after the assembly.

When students participate in an assembly of this kind, they feel a sense of ownership, said Principal Bonnie Ledy. The event is more meaningful and real for them.

The veterans enjoy the students' participation, she added. Their efforts make it clear that youths respect veterans, that they appreciate what they have done and that the details of their endeavors are being taught in school.

The U.S. Coast Guard presented and retired the colors.

St. Ignace veteran Dave Walker presented a plaque on behalf of the St. Ignace American Legion Post, which is now hanging in the school's main lobby. The plaque speaks of the honor of veterans and how when they sign up for military service, they write the government "a blank check for up to and including their own life."

At right: Veterans representing the U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force, are introduced at the St. Ignace Area Schools Veterans Day ceremony Monday, November 12. Pictured (from left) among the many veterans attending are James Maddix, Billie Clark, (seated, hidden, is Mr. Maddix' wife, Martha), Richard Cullen, A. Donald McKinnon, Les Nyland, Al Feliksa, Gary Olsen, Jim Houle, and Mike Wilkins.

With the exception of Mr. Walker's comments, a welcome and closing by Mrs. Ledy, and an introduction by Superintendent Mike Springsteen, the students carried the event.

The LaSalle High School band and the elementary choir provided patriotic music. Kindergarten students Caleb Brown, Chelsea Coleman, and Hallie Marshall led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Following the event, seventh grade students served the veterans a spaghetti lunch in the school cafeteria.