It is a long-standing tradition on Veterans Day at St. Barbara School in Santa Ana to remember and honor those who have served our country in the armed services. Our veterans have been the defenders of our country and protectors of countries around the world. US veterans are often unsung heroes, having fought in wars most prefer not to talk about. My grandfather was a World War II Purple Heart recipient.
In our celebration this year, students honored the veterans through skits, poems, and songs. The Honor Guard from St. Catherine’s Academy presented the flag. TK and Kindergarten enthusiastically sang and waved their flags. The audience was moved as middle school presented vignettes of a soldier’s life. The final scene was the Stars and Stripes created by our 180 students. Thank you, Sr. Catherine for directing the program.
The Knights of Columbus were recognized for their service to our Church. The Knights are defenders of religious liberty as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution as well as the protectors of other religions around the world. The Knights presented the history of our great flag to the second grade after the assembly.
As Americans, most of us do not know what it is to live through war in our homeland. Many St. Barbara school parents are immigrants from foreign countries who know the loss of home and family. They are grateful for this wonderful country – America, the land of opportunities. St. Barbara is a large multi-cultural family where we respect our differences and find the many things that unite us including our Catholic faith and love of the United States.
On this Veterans Day, we remember those who paid the ultimate price for us. We ask God to bless America and all our troops deployed around the world. Thank a veteran for their service.
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