Dixon Elementary teaches students importance of Veterans Day

Dixon Elementary School pupils learned Monday the importance of remembering men and women of the military today.

"This is a solemn celebration we're having today," said Peggy Kelly, the principal of Dixon Elementary, as she addressed the pupils attending the school's Veterans Day Celebration Monday.

Kelly told the pupils there are more than 25 million veterans in the United States. She explained why the day is celebrated and talked about significant contributions of the U.S. armed forces.

"For over 200 years, since our nation's founding, brave men and women ... through the service have kept us strong and protected our rights ... through selfless sacrifice to work toward peace and freedom throughout the world," she said.

Pupils participated by reading segments about Veterans Day history - why Nov. 11 was selected as the day to honor veterans and why the wreath is placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of all veterans.

Each pupil in the school with a family member who is serving or has served in the armed services was asked to stand in honor of that relative as each of their names were read.

At the close of the celebration, pupils from Betty Bigney's fifth-grade class performed a laser show, while pupils sang the popular patriotic song "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood.

Before dismissal, Kelly asked the pupils to take a moment on Veterans Day to remember.

"Remember, on the 11th month, 11th day, at the 11th hour - I want you to take note of that time and stop and think about the men overseas and send your thoughts to them," she said.

Contact Topsail area reporter Suzanne Ulbrich at sulbrich@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8454.