Veterans Day was a day when history came to life for students at Pike County Middle School during the 4th Annual Veterans Day Program. The Pike County Middle School History Club, under the direction of its sponsor, Todd Child, worked to bring together a special program where students were able to honor veterans for their service as well as getting to view military items from many wars and talk to those who have been a part of war and lived to tell about it.

More than 50 veterans and their families attended the program last year and the same held true for this year. It was a moving sight to witness the students and their interaction with these veterans. From the student salute to the applause at winning awards to asking for autographs from veterans after the program was complete, these students had class that made their teachers and faculty proud as they touched their community through its veterans.

The third annual Veterans Day Program was held on Friday, November 7, 2008. It was attended by Middle School students and faculty, invited guests, and veterans and their families from our community. This was an opportunity to honor veterans for their service to our country. It was also a time where students could learn about the past from speaking to veterans and seeing military vehicles, uniforms, newspapers, eating utensils, and other items from war up close and personal.

The Pike County Middle School Band played an Armed Forces Medley of songs in honor of the veterans who were in attendance under the direction of Mr. Rick Ayers. The Middle School Chorus sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” under the direction of Stephen Schell.

Major General Lawrence H. Ross, Sr. explained that Veterans Day is celebrated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to celebrate the end of World War I. He told of soldiers who don’t want to fight but do because they have to protect and defend our country. Veterans Days “stands for peace,” he said. “It stands for those folks in uniform who bring us the peace and the freedoms that we so richly enjoy.” There have been 25 million United States citizens who have worn a uniform in the service of our country, and Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor everyone who has worn the military uniform.

Major General Ross went on to say that students can show honor the efforts and sacrifices of our veterans and their families, and we can enjoy the freedoms that they have fought for on our behalf. He tied American History to Veterans Day and pointed out that a complete change is taking place in our government shortly. This is something that rarely happens anywhere else without bloodshed. He closed by encouraging the audience to thank a veteran for what they’ve done for our country.

Todd Child talked about the scars of battle that are worn by many of our veterans. Some can be seen and some cannot. Mr. Child gave examples of what battle-scarred veterans have gone through from early wars to those fighting in Iraq now. “I hope after watching this power point that you can gain an understanding and a greater respect for those that we honor today.” The tribute to veterans entitled “May You Find Peace” showed those scars of battle to students and brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience.

Principal Michael Maddox praised Mr. Child for the work that he had put into the program. Todd Child was Teacher of the Year last year and Todd’s son was home on leave from Iraq the week prior to this program. Principal Maddox said that Todd had spent countless hours putting together this program and that it included a student essay contest entitled, “What Have Veterans Done For Me?” Mercedes Miller won the Essay Contest and was presented with $25 by Principal Michael Maddox.

Other highlights of this program included Mara McGurl reciting the entire Gettysburg Address from memory, the students and audience singing “God Bless the USA” as it was played over the sound system, and the playing of taps by students from the Middle School Band. And students got a glimpse of what it would be like to be a soldier from the video entitled “Citizen Soldier” by 3 Doors Down.

All veterans were recognized for their service in peacetime and at war with a certificate from the school and a rounding ovation from students. As the veterans faced students on both sides of the gymnasium, students stood and saluted them in honor of their service. It was moving to see these students as they honored veterans with respect as they listened to the speakers both before and after the program.

The Veteran of the Year and Soldier of Year Awards were the final part of the program. The Pike County Middle School Military History Club asked for nominations from the community earlier in the school year. The Pike County Middle School Military History Club asked for nominations from the community earlier in the school year for Soldier of the Year. The nominee had to be someone who lives in Pike County or to be from Pike County originally, and this person had to be currently serving in the Armed Forces.

Major April Asher has been in the Georgia National Guard for nearly 22 years. She became an enlisted soldier while she was still in High School. She received her commission from Officer Candidate School and has served in various assignments throughout the state. Today, she is the Deputy G1 for the Georgia Army National Guard.

Major Asher has helped Mr. Child for the past three years with the annual Veterans Day events by coordinating Georgia National Guard soldiers to help out with the program. “His initial request was for a color guard but we went a step further bringing vehicles and having the soldiers stay for the day to show the equipment they use and to allow the children to ask questions,” she said.

Mr. Child said that Major Asher has been instrumental in helping plan the Veterans Day programs at the Pike County Middle School. Major Asher is also a proud parent of an 8th grader at Pike County Middle School. “Our family moved to the area 4 years ago and I have never seen a more enthusiastic school showing patriotism to their veterans,” said Major Asher. “It has been an honor to work with such fine people.”

Nominees for Veteran of the Year were required to have been someone who served in any branch of the Armed Forces and this person had to live in Pike County or to be from Pike County originally.

Patricia J. Maxedon nominated her father, Douglas Edward Jones, Sr., for Veteran of the Year for both his accomplishments and service in the military and to his community. According to the nomination letter, Ed was born December 23, 1924 in Pike County, Georgia and has lived in Pike County for his entire life with the exception for his tours of military duty. Married to Margaret Hester Doan in 1956, they made their home in Pike County with their three children, all of whom live in Pike County with Ed’s twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

“Ed has the unique distinction of being one of a handful of veterans that served in three major conflicts, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam,” Patricia wrote. “Even though Ed’s twenty eight years of service took him to many duty stations, both at home and over seas, he always maintained the connection to his roots in Pike County.”

During Ed’s service in WWII, he served in the combat infantry division that liberated the Philippians and later was in Tokyo Bay when Japan signed the surrender. Ed earned a Purple Heart for wounds received from a grenade during WWII along with other medals and awards including: a WWII Victory Medal, an Army Accommodation Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Command Medal with two battle star, a Philippians Liberation Medal with one battle star, a Combat Infantry Badge, and the Army Occupation Medal.

Ed served in the Korean War under General Douglas McArthur in the 3rd Infantry Division, A Company. He received the Korean Service Medal in Korea as well as two U.S. Service Medals: National Defense Service Medal with combat infantry star and General Conduct Medal. Ed received the following Republic of Korean Medals: a Bravery Gold Medal of Greece, a Presidential Unit Citation with one brown star, a Presidential Unit Citation with two brown star, a National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, a Combat Infantry Badge with one silver star, and a Korean Service Medal with three campaign stars.

Ed returned to combat in Vietnam in 1967. He was assigned to Headquarters 2nd Battalion 12th Calvary and 1st Calvary Division under Major General George I. Forsyth. While in Vietnam, he received a Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, a Vietnam Service Medal with two battle stars, a Vietnam United Service Medal, and four overseas Bars.

Patty goes on to say that Ed continued to serve his community after he retired from the Army in 1972. He has worked various full and part-time jobs throughout the years, but he always found time to be the chief cook for all functions at his church, First Baptist of Zebulon. "Ed gained wide spread notoriety for his baked goods, especially his dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls," she wrote. "For years Ed’s baked goods were sought after and served at almost every function in Pike County and in many homes."

"Ed’s life has spanned over eight decades, and his sense of duty and service has included both military and community commitments," Patti wrote. "You would be hard pressed to find a person more loyal, and who has a greater recorded of servitude than Douglas Edward Jones, Senior."

Members of Voice of Veterans and veterans from many wars spanning the past century up until now were present in the audience. Some were in uniform. Some wore vests and caps to signify the time in which they fought.

Members of The Richard W. Williams Chapter, 555th “Triple Nickles” Parachute Infantry Association out of Columbus were invited guests. The Triple Nickles were the world’s first black Paratroopers made more than 1200 jumps during a Secret Mission to put out fires in the Mid-West. (Look for an article on The Triple Nickles in the future.)

The students gave their full and undivided attention as their questions were answered and these guests told about their experiences in war after the program. Special guests included Members of The Richard W. Williams Chapter, 555th “Triple Nickles” Parachute Infantry Association, Iwo Jima survivor named Ray Minton, a Rosie the Riviter named Liz Minton, a Pearl Harbor Survivor named Dr. Bob Schmutzler, members of the 110th CSSB Army National Guard who showed off their gear and a vehicle outside, Stewart Mosby with his 1943 German Kubelwajen “Bucket Car” replica, Randy Martin with his jeep and uniform, and many others who attended and spoke to these students about their experiences in the war.

Assistant Principal Vickie Smith closed out the program by saying to all of the veterans in the audience by saying, “We hope that you leave us feeling our admiration and our appreciation for what you have done for us and will continue this in your hearts for years to come.” She expressed also expressed appreciation the families of veterans for their sacrifices as their loved ones served.

Assistant Principal Smith thanked those who worked to put this program together including Mr. Child, and she thanked veterans for making history come alive for students.

Attend a Veterans' Day event or shake a veteran's hand and thank them for their service. They and their families know that freedom isn't free.

This was the 3rd annual Salute to Veterans for the Middle School. Veterans lined the floor in front of the stage from door to door in the auditorium. It was a truly awesome sight to see people from different walks of life united in the common bond of the military.

The support of the kids, the staff, and the community was truly wonderful. Thank you to Todd Child and everyone who had a hand in putting this event together. It ran smoothly and was one of the coolest events that I have ever been to.

Mr. Herbert Hodges began the program by giving thanks to our veterans. He urged the audience to remember that the veterans have sacrificed so we can enjoy the little things like X-box or taking an evening drive. Under the direction of Mr. Rick Ayer, the PCMS Band played an Armed Forces Medley while pictures of soldiers were shown on the big screen. The presentation of colors were given by the 110th CSSB Georgia Army National Guard. You could have heard a pin drop as they brought the colors to the front of the auditorium. 2006-07 Citizenship Award Winner Martis Furguson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Linda Varnum introduced special speaker MSG. Michael Dover. MSG Dover gave a talk to the kids and adults in the audience that was short but profound. He gave thanks to the veterans in the audience and opened with an icebreaker about a duck who asks for grapes in a hardware store 3 days in a row and makes the storeowner so angry that he tells the duck he will nail is feet to the floor if he asks for grapes in his store again. Sure enough, day 4 brings the duck to the store and he asks if the storeowner has any nails. When he says no, the ducks then asks for grapes again.

It's funny but also has a deeper meaning about being persistent. A little misguided, but persistent. He talked to the young people about being persistent in the midst of adversity. "Don't dishonor your teachers. They have paid the price to teach you things that you need to know in order to be successful in life. And what they don't teach you, your parents do so don't dishonor your parents either." Don't dishonor veterans because we have paid the price so that you can live in freedom, enjoy life, and be the best that you can possibly be. "There are a lot of people who have invested in your future. Use your time wisely," Dover said.

The Fighting Spirit of the American Soldier was celebrated in a slide show dedicated to soldiers currently serving all over the world. The slide show ran as Toby Keith's song, "American Soldier" played. The PCMS Chorus sang patriotic songs under the direction of Ms. Joan Thomas. The entire assembly sang out with on "I'm Proud to Be an American ... God Bless the USA". This was really cool to be a part of because the kids sang out as much as the adults did.

Winners of the annual essay contest were: 3rd place: Haley Jackson, 2nd place: Matt Holt, and 1st place: Michelle Westbrook. The theme was "Freedom isn't Free" and Michelle read her essay to the crowd. Her essay ended with a thank you to our heroes. "They know freedom isn't free and they choose to pay the price anyway."

A certificate of appreciation was given to every veteran in the audience. The line across the front of the stage was filled with men and women of all ages. The audience clapped and voiced its appreciation to the veterans as they lined the front of the stage from wall to wall in that auditorium. They didn't ask for our thanks, but they have earned our appreciation for their service to our country. The kids clapped andchanted "USA" as the veterans returned to their seats.

Annie Spradlin played "Taps" before the retiring of the colors. The veterans were then asked to stand at the end of the program and face the students. The students then saluted the veterans in a show of honor and thanks. Bill Thompson then thanked the veterans for joining with the Middle School in their program. "What we have done here today cannot begin to repay the sacrifices that these brave men and women have given so we can live our lives in the greatest country in the world-the United States," Bill Thompson said in closing. "We hope that the respect given to you today will somehow help ease the pain that some of you live with every day." The Tuskegee Airmen Click here for website, Huie Bray (escorted the Japanese officials to the USS Missouri to sign the surrender of WWII), and Ira W. Crawford (survivor of Omaha Beach) were present as honored guests to sign autographs and talk to students and faculty after the program.