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North Elementary students celebrate Veterans Day
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Neighbors | Submitted.Staff Sergeant Wesley Wills led North Elementary School students in the Pledge of Allegiance before he spoke at the school's Veterans Day assembly.
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Neighbors | Submitted.Staff Sergeant Wesley Wills and his sons Noah (left) and Mason, both North Elementary students, were presented with a card from the school's staff and students.
By TIM CLEVELAND
North Elementary School students celebrated Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with a visit from Wesley Wills, Staff Sergeant, Active Duty, Army, who shared his occupation with the school’s kindergarten through fourth-grade student body, as well as what Veterans Day means to him. He also took questions from the students.
The appearance was especially meaningful for Ssgt. Wills, as he is the father of North second-grade student Noah Wills and kindergartner Mason Wills.
“We always try to do something for Veterans Day to honor the veterans, especially those in our local community,” North Principal Stephanie Mateja said. “We wanted to keep it close to home, so Wesley Wills is a member of the army and he will be coming in to share his occupation with the kids and answer any questions that they may have regarding his profession.”
Before Ssgt. Wills took the stage, Mateja led the children in singing “America the Beautiful” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” which they have been practicing since the beginning of the year. She also read the books “Veterans Day” by Robin Nelson, “America: A Patriotic Primer” by Lynne Cheney” during the 30-minute assembly.
“We’ve been practicing patriotic songs, so we’re going to sing a couple American songs for him,” she said. “I also have a Veterans Day story that I’ll be reading and we’re going to introduce him and he’ll share what he does in the army.”
Mateja was asked what lessons she hoped the children would learn from the assembly.
“I think they’ll get not only a respect for what he does, but an overall understanding of Veterans Day and what it means,” she said.