Schools, Community Honor Veterans on Veterans Day

Greenbelt Elementary School held a Veterans Day assembly on Friday, November 9 where students honored veterans through patriotic songs and commentaries. The University of Maryland also conducted an Honor and Remember Veterans Day service and the Greenbelt community and Greenbelt American Legion Post 136 held the annual Veterans Day service at Roosevelt Center. The two-hour elementary school program had more than 600 students in the assembly representing pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in two presentations. Music teacher Kristen Morrison led the school’s choral group as they sang The StarSpangled Banner, service songs from each military branch and other patriotic tunes. The event’s speaker was former army warrant officer and current Greenbelt American LeSchools, Community Honor Veterans on Veterans Day by Butch Hicks Legion Post 136 Commander Greg Gigliotti. He shared information about WWI and how the American Legion evolved from that war. He said America is fortunate to have had millions of brave men and women stand for freedom since our country’s founding. “We owe it to them all to ensure that their service and sacrifice is always remembered.”
Gigliotti then took questions from students, who were clearly interested in the military and veterans. When asked about war, Gigliotti used some conflicts to emphasize that soldiers do not want war and first strive to keep the peace. Several more questions covered tanks, guns and being brave. “It was a privilege to speak to these young students about veterans and the military. I believe they gained some appreciation about how their family members and friends who were in the military have served America.” Morrison said she hopes the Veterans Day assembly becomes an annual event. “It’s important that students understand how veterans that are away from their families and the community have contributed to our nation’s security and freedom.”
UMD Service
On Friday, November 9, the University of Maryland saluted the school’s veteran community through the Veterans Day service of patriotic music and commentary from the university’s leadership and veterans with ties to the school. University Army, Air Force and Naval ROTC units held a vigil from noon to 3 p.m. in front of the Chapel, which is one of the school’s most visible and revered icons and was dedicated in 1952 as a memorial
to fallen veterans from the university. Mike G. Moore, a U.S. Army veteran and currently adjutant and recent past commander of Greenbelt American Legion Post 136, lauded the university’s commitment to supporting veterans through the school’s TerpVets program. “The strong and sustained institutional commitment to the academic success of the heroes in this room who served our nation is stunning . . . It is the school of choice for 1,200 veterans and the TerpVets program helps to develop a sense of community and mutual support.”
Community Ceremony
Recognition of veterans continued on Sunday, November 11 when Greenbelt, county and state officials joined Greenbelt American Legion Post 136 officers in presentations at the annual Veterans Day ceremony held at Roosevelt Center. A chilly day lowered attendance but those participating waved American flags
and showed enthusiasm recognizing veterans during rendering of honors: a full-throated Pledge of Allegiance and resounding voices from the Hometown USA Chorus’s rendition of the national anthem. Everyone showed customary respect for taps preceded by a rifle volley salute.
Since Mayor Emmett Jordan and some city councilmembers were away attending a National League of Cities meeting in Los Angeles, Councilmember Rodney Roberts presented the city proclamation honoring veterans to Greenbelt American Legion Commander Greg Gigliotti, Sons of the American
Legion Squadron 136 Commander Jerry Darnell and Auxiliary Unit 136 President Elizabeth Darnell. County Councilmember Todd Turner was also
at the event. He sponsored the Veterans Listening Session with Senator Chris Van Hollen held at the Greenbelt American Legion Post. State Delegate Anne Healey shared her comments supporting veterans. Gigliotti reaffirmed veterans contributions to world peace. “It’s America’s veterans who make the world much safer. From defeating communism, fascism and imperialism, to liberating slaves, keeping the peace during the
Cold War and battling terrorism today, veterans have accomplished remarkable things throughout our nation’s history. We gather at
events like this to honor not just recent generations of veterans but every man and woman who has honorably served since the American Revolution. Today is a day for all Americans to recognize those who have saved our many freedoms – the veterans of the United States military.”