ELLICOTT, Colo. -- The Ellicott community honored its veterans, including those from Schriever Air Force Base, during a Veterans Day assembly at Ellicott High School Thursday.
“I’m so proud and excited to see all the veterans here as we celebrate this holiday,” said Dr. Patrick Cullen, Ellicott School District superintendent. “Thank you veterans.”
The veterans ranged in age and service from a 94-year-old World War II veteran to a 2016 EHS graduate now actively serving, and represented each branch of the armed forces.
“I am honored to be here with all the veterans who have given us the freedom we so cherish,” said Mark McPherson, EHS principal and a 21-year Army veteran.
The district’s faculty, staff and students highlighted those who have served, past and present, with a ceremony featuring music from the high school band and the Academy Winds, from the U.S. Air Force Academy band, songs sung by the district’s student choirs, a tribute video, playing Taps, a moment of silence and a final salute.
Col. DeAnna Burt, 50th Space Wing commander, and assembly keynote speaker, talked to students about military service and what it means to be a veteran.
“Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the service and sacrifice of all veterans,” Burt said. “In my 24 years, I’ve had the privilege to serve with many vets around the world. I’ve been blessed to travel the globe and serve with some amazing people.”
After the keynote speech, veterans stood as their names were read and each was given a letter and hand-made flag from the Ellicott students as a symbol of their appreciation.
“Today is a day to remember and thank all who served,” said Chris Smith, Ellicott Middle School principal.
Smith explained each Ellicott School District school has a wall of stars with each star representing a student’s family member who is serving.
“There are more than 580 stars,” he said. “Those family members have served a combined 5,603 years. We want to recognize what those members and their families have done for us.”
As part of that recognition, Smith asked each student with a family member currently in the armed forces to stand. Nearly every student rose.
“We owe all of you a huge debt as well,” he said.
“Missing the birth of a child, milestones and holidays are all types of sacrifice members make every day to protect our freedom,” Burt said. “But the kids are serving too and I want to say thank you for all you do that allows us to serve.”
Ellicott School District’s faculty said they are happy to host the assembly each year and look forward to strengthening the relationship they have with the veterans in the community and at Schriever.