Burke Elementary students honor veterans

Teresa Burke Elementary School cordially extends a warm invitation to local veterans to participate in their annual Veterans Day program. It will be a festive celebration to honor those that have served to benefit our great nation.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 10th at 9 am on their campus at 1301 Filburn Street.

There will be a special lineup of activities, including a welcome by student body president Sadie Cruz, the pledge of allegiance by the sergeant of arms Cal-el Delgado and a Veterans Day proclamation by Principal Ms. Monique Goodwill.

There will also be a guest speaker, poems read, an introduction of the veterans, a moment of silence and end with the school singing God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.

A small reception afterward will be hosted with coffee, cookies and punch while students mingle with veterans asking questions about their experiences.

Clara Acosta, a student counselor advisor who is spearheading the event, said, "This is our eighth year. We started with seven veterans and have since seen that number grow to almost 20."

She said the event is unique because it gives students an opportunity to thank the veterans.

"It's important for the students to understand that the military is a big part of our history, and it's a chance to pay homage to those that have served our country."

The student council of 4th and 5th graders have organized the event.

"The students are looking forward to it. It is a fun event for them and teaches them more about the rich history of the United States and the role that veterans have played to make our country what it is today," Acosta said.

She said the student body enjoys showing their patriotism.

"They proudly wave their flags in their red, white and blue."

Leading up to the event, students do reading assignments about Veterans Day to understand the significance of the holiday.

"Some write letters to the veterans," Acosta said.

She said the message to the students is to highlight those that have fought for our country's freedom and liberty.

"They deserve to be admired and respected."

For the last two years, the event has been held virtually.

"We are excited to be coming back live."

Acosta said that there are veteran staff members at the school.

"It is always nice to recognize them as well."

She believes all of the hard work in planning always pays off.

Interested veterans wanting to participate in the Veterans Day program can call Isamar at (661) 758-7480 or email isgomez@wuesd.org.