The K-Kids Club at Hamilton Heights Elementary School held its annual Veteran’s Day program this past Friday to celebrate and honor local living and deceased veterans. The program, now in its eighth year, drew in a full house of veterans, students, teachers and parents for the special tribute.
Hamilton Heights K-Kids president Joely Hardacre is pictured with two distinguished guests, Fred Lockerbie, veteran, United States Army (left), and Kenneth Roberts, veteran, United States Air Force (right), at this year’s Veteran’s Program. (Photo provided)
The program began with fifth grade members of the K-Kids Club lining the way to the front of the gym with American flags as the Hamilton Heights High School band played patriotic tunes. All stood for the Honor Guard and Posting of the Colors by Russell Ross and Deon Hodson, representing the Cicero Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8756 and Cicero Legion #341, and National Anthem.
Julie Griffey, Hamilton Heights Elementary School Principal, welcomed program attendees and shared the importance of acknowledging and remembering the contributions of our soldiers, past and president, especially those who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy each day as Americans today. K-Kids sponsors Michelle Day and Tracy Zachary coordinated this year’s program.
Joely Hardacre, President of Heights’ K-Kids Club introduced guest speaker, Ken Roberts, a veteran of the United States Air Force. Roberts shared his personal story including the response from Americans upon returning from the Vietnam War, spending many years not talking about his service experience and ultimately receiving the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia from exposure to jet fuel propulsion (JP-4). Today, however, Roberts says he served his country with pride and protecting the country’s freedom is well worth any personal sacrifice. “Those who gave all never waiver for the freedom our flag represents,” emphasized Roberts.
Veterans from all branches of the military in the audience were recognized with a standing ovation. The program concluded with students singing patriotic songs led by Sandy Thompson, Hamilton Heights Elementary School Music Teacher, and the playing of TAPS by U.S. Retired Sergeant Marine, Brett Mize.