Veterans day: Celebrating those who served

  • Published
  • By Angela Woolen
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Several Middle Georgia schools had representatives from Robins attend Veterans Day programs this week.

Tuesday morning at Huntington Middle School, veterans were honored during a school-wide assembly.

"We definitely appreciate all that you do and the sacrifices you make," said Huntington principal, Gwendolyn Taylor.

The school band and choir performed a number of songs including the "Star Spangled Banner" and a medley consisting of each of the five military branches' songs.

The Warner Robins High School Junior ROTC Honor Guard presented the colors during the event.

"I've been in a military family all my life," said eighth-grader Alexis Gonzalez during the service. She also played the flute in the band.

Both of her parents serve in the military, and she understands the sacrifices her family has had to make.

The biggest challenge for Alexis is the constant moving. She said it's hard to move away from friends, although she was able to do her part to pay tribute to her parents and all veterans by speaking at her school's Veterans Day program.

"It's a great honor for me. I get to show the school how much I appreciate my parents and veterans," she said.

Bill Munn, who retired from the Air Force in 1993, played "taps" after a moment of silence. He said it was one of the hardest songs to play but hoped the students understood its message.

"Freedom is not free," he said.

James Christiansen, band director, spoke about the "Greenlight A Vet" program which calls for people to change one light bulb, on a porch or window, to green.

The purpose is to show veterans who drive by a green light that they are appreciated and valued. 

Guest speaker Col. Dawn Lancaster, 78th Air Base Wing vice commander, asked students who knew a military member to raise their hands. Almost all of the students did so.

"There are people who want to take away all the wonderful opportunities we have," Lancaster said. "It's my honor to protect the freedoms we have."