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  • Kiau Weisgram, a second-grader at Floyds Knobs Elementary, carries a photo of her father, Brian, who is serving in Montana during the school's annual Veterans Day Assembly. The event honors friends and family members of students and staff who have served in the military. Staff photo by Jerod Clapp

    11-10 FKE vetday.w.jpg

  • Lillian Paris, a kindergartener at Floyds Knobs Elementary, carries a carboard cutout of her father, Adam, who is serving in Afghanistan during the school's Veterans Day Assembly. Veterans from every conflict since World War II attended. Staff photo by Jerod Clapp

    11-10 FKE vetday2.w.jpg

  • Retired Army Sgt. Tim Fentress sits with other veterans during Floyds Knobs Elementary School's Veterans Day Assembly on Friday. Fentress, who served in Vietnam, said his two granddaughters invited him to attend. Staff photo by Jerod Clapp

    11-10 FKE vetday3.w.jpg

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November 11, 2012

A BIG THANKS: Floyds Knob Elementary honors veterans

By JEROD CLAPP jerod.clapp@newsandtribune.com

FLOYDS KNOBS — As the guests of honor, they took their front-row seats to a presentation dedicated for them, after they had dedicated their lives to everyone in the room.

And not just the ones in the gym, but people all over the country.

Floyds Knobs Elementary School’s fifth-consecutive Veterans Day Assembly honored about 130 servicemen and women Friday.

Elaine Murphy, principal, said she hopes students understand what veterans have done to make their lives better.

“These young boys and girls have to know the sacrifice that are made on their behalf,” Murphy said. “I think about countries where little boys and girls are picking through trash just to eat and survive, and they don’t get to go to school. They don’t know what a privilege they have.”

McKenna Robertson, a fourth-grader and the student council president, presented a speech about what a veteran is. After the assembly, she said veterans could inspire future generations.

“I think that everybody should hear about how our country is free,” Robertson said. “I think that maybe little kids might want to be in the army when they get older.”

Cub Scout Pack 4067 presented the colors and the flags of each branch of the military and Matthew Schad, a former Army captain, gave a speech.

Retired Army Sgt. Wayne Davis, a Vietnam veteran, said it warmed his heart to see young people taking notice of the service he and his colleagues had given.

“It was overwhelming and an unbelievable tribute to remember the veterans and especially the ones who are gone,” Davis said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud.”

But another veteran said soldiers of the past aren’t the only ones who need recognition and that other armed conflicts may just be on the horizon.

Retired Army Sgt. Tim Fentress said current servicemen and women were recognized at the assembly, but the community shouldn’t forget them in their celebrations this weekend.

“It’s nice to be honored, but we’ve got to remember the ones serving right now,” Fentress said. “I believe Iran is on the front-burner right now.”

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