Be a hero. At Veterans Elementary, it is more than a slogan. The school’s 10th Annual “Honoring Our Heroes” Veterans Parade and Ceremony was as patriotic and at times as emotional as ever. The parade included area high school marching bands, classic cars shuttling dignitaries and veterans alike, and a touching march of students with their military-connected parents. Yet, this year’s event took the observance to another level, according to organizers. The ‘little gem of a parade,’ which began as a school parade around the neighborhood, is now a full-fledged city of Chula Vista gathering.
Military veterans, community members and students each took part in the procession–still in the neighborhood around the school. Dignitaries included Board President Glendora M. Tremper, Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D., Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas, along with Councilmembers Patricia Aguilar and John McCann. Groups ranging from the District’s Community Opus music program to Wolf Canyon Elementary’s Glee Club marched along the parade route, along with Girl Scout troops. The stars of the event, of course, were the active duty and retired military personnel.
The multi-generational observance of the upcoming Veterans Day Holiday culminated in a ceremony on campus. Veterans Elementary student Casey Lopez sang the National Anthem. Veterans students and Wolf Canyon students, respectively, entertained the audience with patriotic songs.
Keynote speaker Navy Lieutenant Commander Henry A. Martinez, a co-founder of the event, presented a stirring address. Principal Froylan Villanueva presented Lt. Cmdr. Martinez a District “challenge coin,” which includes the District logo on the front and “Every Child is an Individual of Great Worth” inscribed on the back. Students of military personnel shared emotional tributes about the sacrifices of their loved ones to both our country and their families.
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