Tommie Barfield Salutes Veterans

Friday, November 6, was a special day at Tommie Barfield Elementary School (TBE). Every student participated in making the annual Veterans Day Celebration event happen. From the creation of red, white, and blue decorations, hand colored thank you sheets, patriotic cards with personal meaning, and the learning of many songs that honored the Veterans and our great nation, all were completed by the K-fifth grade students.

The celebration kicked off with a lined walkway of students wishing the veterans who passed a ‘Happy Veterans Day ’, a peppy cheer, and many waves of the American flag. The Marco Island Charter Middle School’s jazz band greeted attendees as they entered the cafeteria.

As the students took to the stage, an empty seat in the audience was hard to come by as 40 veterans, comprised of students’ parents, aunts, uncles, local community leaders, and members of the American Legion Post 404, filled the room along with supporting families of the student body.

Select students took turns with their prepared speeches and presentations of the planned performances. “We hope today reminds you of how deeply we value the freedoms we enjoy because of your service and sacrifice. We have gathered here today to honor and thank all the brave veterans who have served,” said a student. The students greeted everyone before the Presentation of Colors.

Miss Bonfitto’s third-grade class has been learning sign language and presented the Pledge of Allegiance in ASL.

The room echoed with the melody of dozens of children’s voices as they sang song after song. These titles were carefully selected for their representation of America, the men and women who serve, our unwavering flag, and the freedoms we hold: “The National Anthem”, “This Land Is Your Land”, “America the Beautiful”, “You’re a Grand Old Flag”, and “God Bless the USA” were among the songs performed.

With each song, the students would share some history behind the lyrics and a personal sentiment for the veterans.

“We are grateful to our veterans who served us and sacrificed and helped protect our country. As we sing, we thank them for all they have done for our country,” said one student.

“Veterans have done so much for our country, and at TBE, we are proud to honor them, not only today but throughout the year. Many of your photographs are displayed in our military hallway as a daily reminder of your service and sacrifice,” shared another student.

The students also took a moment to review the origin of Veterans Day. At the end of World War I, fighting officially ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed 11/11 as Armistice Day, and it wasn’t until 1954 that the holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

A highlight of the ceremony, a salute to service, ‘Armed Forces Medley’ was one of the final songs. A touching tribute to every branch in the military, the students requested that each veteran and active-duty member stand when they heard their branch sung.

Goosebumps could be felt and tears could be seen as members of the crowd proudly stood, and veterans and active-duty military acknowledged one another while the children sang strongly.

TBE Principal Amanda Kubin thanked the students, teachers, and PTA members for their hard work and contribution to make the event possible before addressing the crowd. “We not only thank you for your time with us today but thank you for your service to our country. We spend a lot of time at school teaching our kids about courage, responsibility, and perseverance. Today they get to see the people that define those values.” She turned to the students, “I hope you learn that heroes don’t just exist in movies and video games. Sometimes they’re your grandparents, they’re your neighbors, or the people sitting in front of you wearing veteran hats.” Pointing to the crowd, she closed with, “To our veterans, thank you for your sacrifices, your dedication, and your commitment to protecting the freedoms that we enjoy every day. We are honored to celebrate you, and we are grateful that you chose to spend part of your day with us.”

The final number, “God Bless America,” brought emotion from everyone present as the Choir sang, the Marco Island Charter Middle School (MICMS) jazz band played their instruments, and each person stood. The students in the front turned to face the front row that was lined with veterans, singing directly to them as voices both young and old joined together.

Retired Music Teacher, Mr. G., performed Taps on the trumpet to close out the ceremony.

As the ceremony concluded, veterans and active-duty members were encouraged to stay for round-table conversations with MICMS students.

“Because of your courage and dedication, we enjoy the freedom we cherish every day.” The students bade farewell. “As we leave today, may you do so with gratitude in our hearts, pride in our nation, and a renewed appreciation for the men and women who have served. Thank you for helping to preserve the blessings of liberty and for keeping our nation strong.”