Malakoff Elementary students, staff and administrators welcomed veterans to their 18th annual Veterans Day Program called “Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes.” The program included breakfast, a parade and student performances.
As veterans entered the school on Friday, they first stopped at a beautiful Honor Wall that showcased photos of veterans from across generations. School officials and students brought in the photos of their loved ones or family members to place on the wall.
One of those veterans who stopped by the Honor War was Vietnam Veteran John Stineff, who had his photo in the exhibit.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1967-1970 as a signalman 3rd Class on the USS Valley Forge, an aircraft carrier that carried 1,800 Marines. He said he learned discipline and focus during his service.
Stineff said he greatly appreciated the school honoring veterans.
“We appreciate it. It’s a wonderful program here,” said Stineff, who turns 80 in December. “It’s a great thing they are doing for the veterans. I hope the students learn something about patriotism.”
He added that he hoped the students learned about service - whether it be in the military or working to make the community better by participating in programs such as Habitat for Humanity.
Malakoff Principal Anna Martinez said the program teaches the students to honor the veterans who have given so much for their country.
“We think it’s important to instill patriotism in our students and the importance of honoring our veterans and thanking them for serving our country,” said Martinez.
“I think it instills that respect for our veterans and everything that they go through, that they serve our country so that we have the liberties that we have in this country, thanks to them. I think it’s important that we instill that in them at a young age,” the principal added.
“Veterans feel that they are respected and that they are remembered and that they are looked up to and we feel that it gives them that sense of pride,” Martinez said.
More than 40 veterans walked the school’s hallways where students enthusiastically waved U.S. Flags and chanted “USA.”
The program itself took much work and included the Presentation of Colors by the Webb County Constable Precinct 1 Color Guard.
The welcoming speech was delivered by Viviana Garcia and Andrew Perez, fifth grade students. The Malakoff Choir, led by Choir Director Mr. Ramon Godines, performed “We Honor You” and “Oh, I Love America.”
Pre-kinder students danced and performed for the packed audience in the gym.
And Victoria Long, fifth grader, who earned 1st place with her Veterans Day winning essay, read her work. So did fourth grader Aileen Gonzalez, who also earned 1st place. And third grader Riley Lopez read his 1st place Veterans Day winning essay as well.
John Stineff, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, stands before the Honor Wall
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