On Friday, Nov. 6, Sanchez School held its annual Veterans Day celebration. The school invited local veterans to be their honored guests that morning. The veterans were introduced at an assembly and then students honored the vets through songs, poems, and essays. The keynote speaker was Veronica West, the veterans’ counselor at Allan Hancock College. The honor guard consisted of Marines from the Santa Maria Marine Corp League (Coastal Valley Detachment Marine Corp 1340). Veterans from all branches of the armed forces were also represented.
The members of the military were also served breakfast at the school. Some of the veterans remained after the celebration to speak to students in their classrooms.
“Veterans Day has always been a special occasion at Sanchez School,” Principal Kathleen Lester said. “We have several teachers who make an extra effort to create an event that honors our local veterans as well as teaches our students about the sacrifices our nation’s freedoms are built on. It’s important for children to know that Veterans Day is not just a day off from school or work.”
Teacher Martha Rodriguez said that inviting veterans to talk with children helps students understand that the men and women in the armed forces are real people here in the community. “Some of our students have family members who have been in the service or who are serving right now. But for many of our students, this is their first opportunity to thank a veteran for their service.”
This article appears in Nov 12-19, 2015.