Veteran's Assembly

My son left the school building yesterday with a smile on his face. That is not unusual. But the reason why he had a smile was unique. He and a peer were chosen to read at today's Veteran's Day Assembly.

My son helped read a Tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The two spoke slowly and clearly, which was so respectful and mature. I won't go into personal specifics, but having my son (and this specific peer who helped) participate in this public speaking event in front of a student body of 1,000, plus staff members and parents, was an enormous personal challenge to both students.

They were Risk Takers.

They succeeded.

Their smiles were bright upon completion ~ proud to have made an important speech for an important tribute to our country.

I find it heartwarming that the Tomb has been guarded every minute of every day since 1937, and will continue to be guarded no matter the weather conditions throughout the years. I found this interesting too ~ those that guard have an average age of 22, and must be porportionally built with the height between 5'10'' and 6'4''.  Their gloves are wet to assure a non-slip-grip on the rifle they carry, and they wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from reflections off the marble monument.

It was an honor to have my son chosen to read at his last elementary school Veterans Day Assembly.  And an honor to remember the fallen, those that have served, and are serving.

Happy Veteran's Day!