Burnet, Bertram and Marble Fall schools celebrate veterans
MARBLE FALLS — Schoolchildren across the Highland Lakes are remembering the sacrifices of the the armed forces with celebrations honoring Veterans Day.
Though Veterans Day is Nov. 11, which is a Sunday, many observances will be held just before or after, such as Nov. 12 when banks and some government offices are closed.
“We want our kids to know who these men and women are who served our nation,” said Mark Richert, Colt Elementary School assistant principal. “Some may have parents or relatives who served or serve, but many don’t. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the men and women who serve in the armed forces.”
Colt Elementary is hosting a Veterans Day celebration 10:15 a.m. Nov. 12 at the campus, located at 2200 Manzano Mile.
The Marble Falls school is one of several in the area taking time out to recognize men and women who serve or have served in the United States armed forces.
“We think it helps the students put faces with Veterans Day,” said Sandy Kinsey of R.J. Richey Elementary School in Burnet. “It also helps the students understand what Veterans Day is about and who our veterans are.”
Students and staff at Richey are hosting a Veterans Day celebration 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at Bulldog Stadium behind the middle school,1401 N. Main in Burnet.
In the past, Bertram Elementary participated with the Richey program, but the Bertram students have created their own ceremony this year at 10 a.m. Nov. 9.
“This way all our students can participate where in the past it was only our fourth- and fifth-graders,” said Aline Heine from Bertram Elementary.
The program will be held at the elementary campus located at 315 Main St. in Bertram.
“We do it to honor our veterans past and present,” Heine said.
Along with speakers and music, the students will line up outside the class in a Walk of Honor waving flags as the veterans file past, Heine said.
At Colt, members of the Marble Falls Middle School choir will perform. Second- and third-graders at Colt also will present a special performance.
“The local (Veterans of Foreign Wars) will help present the colors,” Richert said.
After the Colt ceremony, all the attending veterans are invited to eat in the cafeteria for free. Other community members can also eat, but there is a charge of $3 per adult and $1.75 per child.
“We’re inviting all our local veterans to attend,” Richert said. “All they have to do is show up.”
All three programs are open to the public.
“We definitely encourage people to attend,” Heine said.