Members from almost every branch of service, men, women, young, and old gathered Friday morning at Mansfield Christian School (MCS) to take part in a Veterans Day Celebration.
“We live in a great country, with great freedoms. We are here today to honor those great men and women who made these freedoms possible. Those who have lost their lives for those freedoms, as well as those here today and those who are not here with us but fighting for us and our freedom,” said State Representative Mark Romanchuk as the assembly began.
The staff, administration and the entire fifth and sixth grade of MCS elementary filled the multi-purpose room to honor several dozen veterans in attendance and praise the memory of those who gave their lives generations past.
The Color Guard from the 179th Airlift Wing opened the ceremony with the Presentation of Colors followed by sixth grader Malachi Johnston who led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roger Dials, a history teacher at MCS, explained the history of Veterans Day and the significance of those who in many cases paid the ultimate price to ensure freedom’s we at times may take for granted. Honor, respect, gratitude and love for God and country was the running theme throughout the celebratory event.
Jeri Berryman, an inactive officer of the US Air Force said,”It’s very nice to see such a celebration recognizing veterans. Seeing different generations of people gathering to value country and the service of veterans from different branches and generations.” She also added, “Seeing such respect and appreciation is great. We forget what freedom costs, we get caught up in the day to day, something like this really makes you feel good.”
Those present who served in different branches of military; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard were asked to stand in order to be recognized for service during the video of Tomb of Unknown Soldier as their branch was named.
Fifth grade student of MCS Kristin Kaufman visited the tomb while on a church field trip and took part in the placing of the wreath ceremony.
Towards the conclusion of the program Kaufman performed a solo of “God Bless America.”
“I was nervous. I learned it is a great honor to present the wreath, I felt special to be able to be apart of that. My uncle and grandpa are vets, I am glad we could have a program to show them how much we appreciate them,” said Kaufman about her trip.
Guest speaker Korey Kaufman, an Iraq War veteran, was introduced by his brother Kenny Kaufman, a Parole Officer and father of Kristin Kaufman.
Kaufman gave a moving and uplifting speech of what service to his country meant to him. Emotional at times, Kaufman shared stories of being wounded in combat and almost losing his hand in one incident.
Kaufman stated it was in his belief that the dedication and bravery of the men he served with who did not return home were the true heroes and the reason he did return. At the close of his speech, Kaufman urged the young students to honor God, honor country and they would be successful in life. Kaufman received a standing ovation for his inspiring words.
“This was an awesome program for the vets and the kids. It gives them [the students] the opportunity to understand the sacrifices vets have made for them and to learn to respect the flag at a young age,” said Tom Jones, Air National Guard.
Linda Hoeflich, Elementary Principle at MCS summarized the days event by saying, “We wanted to honor our vets for fighting for our freedoms and to teach the children respect and obedience. Both are very important qualities and the military exemplifies that so well.”
We forget what freedom costs, we get caught up in the day to day, something like this really makes you feel good,” said Jeri Berryman.
