Van Alstyne, TX (Oct. 28, 2023) There is a bustle of activity found at Van Alstyne Middle School. Students, guided by teachers, can be found planning, preparing, practicing, and perfecting ways to honor all those who protect freedom through serving the country. The city of Van Alstyne, in rural north Texas, is known for its family-friendly environment and strong community spirit. It is also a community steeped in tradition. One tradition embraced by the middle school, composed of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, is honoring those who have served the country. Van Alstyne Middle School has championed, for over 25 years, an annual Veterans Day program. This is a day set aside for middle school students to display their talents in honor of veterans. The school’s administration, faculty, students, and community members join hands to recognize the significance of this day and most importantly, recognize local veterans and their families. 

On the 11th of November, students across the nation usually mark Veterans Day with various activities and educational initiatives. However, Van Alstyne Middle School takes it to the next level, incorporating the invaluable contributions of local veterans and support of community members to make the occasion truly memorable. This year's program will be held on Friday, November 10th at 9:00 AM in the cafeteria at Van Alstyne Middle School in Van Alstyne, Texas. The campus is excited about the ability to express their gratitude for their veterans. “We host a Veterans Day program to honor our local veterans. The program helps our students understand the history and importance of this national holiday.” Dr. Kelly Moore, the school’s principal, reports.  

The Fine Arts programs take a leadership role in planning and executing this day of recognition. It is an amazing opportunity for the theater, band, choir, and art students to highlight their talents to a deserving audience. As the day approaches, Van Alstyne Middle School is buzzing with excitement. The anticipation for this unique and profound celebration is unmistakable. This program allows students to actively express their gratitude and respect for the sacrifices veterans have made for their country through many means of creativity. The arts have a unique way of touching emotions and connecting people. Expressions through fine arts allow students to exhibit deep emotions, creating a more profound impact when honoring veterans. The school will continue the traditional presentation of “Taps;” those twenty-four eloquent and haunting notes, played in honor of all veterans. “Taps” is unique to the United States military and has been recognized as the “National Song of Remembrance” by Congress in 2012. In addition, this year the school has added a special slideshow, highlighting veterans, which will include many personal pictures submitted by family members and friends.  

Local community members support the school’s efforts in many ways. In addition to sharing about the event and attending, donations are being gathered to create a buffet for veterans and their families after the program. Community member and Pastor, Griff Servati, shared his enthusiasm for supporting Van Alstyne Middle School. “I have always loved history, and my plan was to be a history teacher. Much of history is studied and focused on the larger political figures. But their actions ultimately affect real people. One of the ways I wanted to reinforce that in my classroom was by collecting photos of soldiers. To put a face to a number is one of the most important lessons to be learned in history. I do not get to teach history on a daily basis, so for years, I have brought my collection to our school’s local Veterans Day program to honor veterans and, at the same time, teach a lesson.”  

“Duty, honor, country. We must never forget those thousands of Americans who, with their courage, with their sacrifice, and with their lives, made those words live for all of us.” Simple, but profound words written by John McCain exemplifies the goal of the program at Van Alstyne Middle School. History teacher and wife of a veteran, Heather Kelley, speaks of the importance of educating students about the significance of service and sacrifice, instilling a sense of civic duty and awareness of history. “I think it is absolutely appropriate to show our younger generations to respect and have gratitude for those who have given up portions of their lives to create and maintain this life that many of us take for granted.” The school hopes that this collaborative effort will serve as a model for other educational institutions, encouraging them to involve their communities in observing Veterans Day. This endeavor is important; Veterans Day is not just another holiday. It is a day where we pay tribute to the selfless sacrifices and service of our veterans. It is crucial for students to understand and appreciate the significance of this day, and there is not a better way to learn this than by engaging directly with those who have served the country. Navy veteran, Brendon Hanna shared, “I think it is great that the middle school has a Veterans Day program, it helps the students recognize the important sacrifice that veterans have made in protecting our country over the years and I look forward to attending each year.” 

In the end, it is more than just a day off from school. It is a day of remembrance, gratitude, and learning. Van Alstyne Middle School’s approach exemplifies the spirit of this day - unity, honor, and respect for those who have selflessly served the nation. Honoring veterans through these creative avenues not only pays tribute to their service but also fosters a sense of empathy, patriotism, and a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who have served their country. SSG Copeland reflected, “It feels great to be recognized and celebrated after all the sacrifices that myself and others have made. It also means a lot that we continue to teach our youth about real American heroes and their impact and importance to our great country.” It is the hope that all local veterans and their families will attend and enjoy the program, which is just a small token of appreciation for all that they have given to the country.