Alabama Schools Salute Veterans: Just like many schools ‘cross the heart of the South, Discovery Middle School in Madison gathered on Nov. 9 for a Veterans Day assembly, a heartfelt salute to the brave souls who served from every corner of the military.
Maj. Gen. Tom OConnor, the Aviation and Missile Commander, took the spotlight, narrating tales of Veterans Day’s roots and its deep ties to the heart of Alabama. With pride, he delved into the 50-year legacy of the all-volunteer force, drawing distinctions between the American military path and those trodden in lands far beyond.
“In these hallowed halls of learning, let me weave a bit of history to shed light on why we hold Veterans Day dear,” OConnor shared. “The Great War, 1914-1918, coined as ‘The War to End All Wars.’ On the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour in 1918, a ceasefire echoed, and a truce embraced. Armistice Day was born. Yet, a little over a decade later, the world plunged into World War II, claiming 85 million lives.”
Post-World War II, a local hero, Raymond Weeks, an Alabama veteran, sparked a movement. This movement paved the way for transforming Armistice Day into Veterans Day, a tribute to all who sacrificed in conflicts past.
“We mark Veterans Day on Armistice Day to honor those who rose to defend our way of life and freedom,” he proclaimed.
The school’s military-linked students invited their veteran kin to partake in this special gathering. OConnor, in his address, expressed gratitude, recognizing them as vital cogs in the all-volunteer force, which marked its 50th year in action.
In closing, OConnor shared a lesson on the bedrock of American idealsthe U.S. Constitution. “Our nation stands on crucial documents, and we, veterans of the all-volunteer force, raised our right hands, pledging allegiancenot to a president, not to a king, nor to an institution, but to a way of life. We vowed to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all foes, foreign and domestic.”
Event coordinator Sara Baragona highlighted the importance of this being the 11th annual Discovery Middle School Veterans Day program, emphasizing her personal connection to the cause with family members in various military branches. She aims to ensure the students grasp the profound significance of the day.
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Later that day, at Jones Valley Elementary School in Huntsville, another Army member, Lt. Col. Jordan Dilena, the AMCOM executive officer, took center stage to instill the spirit of Veterans Day in a younger audience.
A parade of veterans paraded through the school, receiving cheers from kindergarten through sixth grade students. Dilena, drawing parallels between military service and sportsmanship, conveyed the commitment to practice and enhance skills, much like a sports team.
As he spoke to the young minds, Dilena conveyed that police officers and firefighters shield them at home, while the military safeguards them abroadkeeping the ‘bad guys’ away from home.
Dilena, a military man for 15 years, expressed gratitude to the students, urging them to remember the essence of Veterans Daythe symbolic end to one of the darkest chapters in world history on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918.
Event coordinator Kristen Tumminello, a teacher driven by personal experiences growing up in Florence, Alabama, during the ’70s, stressed the importance of exposing students to the military. She aims to ensure they comprehend the significance of Veterans Day and the unwavering dedication of veterans.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What are the benefits of being a veteran in Alabama?
Enjoy state tax benefits, property tax exemptions, the Alabama National Guard Tuition Scholarship Program, education and tuition assistance, vehicle tags, state employment hiring preference, and hunting and fishing license privileges.
What is Chapter 35 VA benefits Alabama?
Chapter 35 of the VA program offers a monthly stipend to those receiving Dependents Educational Assistance. This program gives education and training opportunities to eligible dependents and certain veterans. The amount a recipient receives is based on the time they spend in training.
Are 100% disabled veterans exempt from property tax in Alabama?
In Alabama, disabled veterans with a 100% disability rating or who are over 65 may qualify for a complete exemption from property taxes.
Why is it called Crimson Tide?
The iron-heavy earth of Birmingham transformed into a crimson sea, leaving Alabama’s once-white jerseys stained. During a hard-fought 6-6 tie against Auburn, sports editor Hugh Roberts of the Birmingham Age-Herald reportedly remarked that the team played like “a Crimson Tide.” As the legend goes, this name has stuck with us ever since.