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Written by Rowonna McNeely – “U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” Kiera chanted as I brushed through her hair Friday morning. She was preparing to sing, along with the rest of her school, at the Veterans Day program that day. She had been practicing her song for weeks, randomly walking through the house or breaking into song in the shower, as she sang about U.S.A. and liberty.

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“I think you should drop me at school, drop Daddy at work and then come get a seat to watch me sing.” She stated, trying to plan for me.

“Well, Lulu is going to pick Daddy up and take him to work. I’ll drop you at school, pick up Grandmommy and then come back to watch you.” I explained.

“Ok. But, you don’t have to hurry because we have our announcements, say the pledge and then, our principal, Mrs. Wilbourn talks… sometimes for a long time.” She replied.

I made a mental note to tease Mrs. Wilbourn the next time I saw her and hustled Kiera over to get dressed.

Mom and I arrived at the school with plenty of time to find a seat. We sat down in the metal folding chairs and watched as the procession of children flowed into the room.

The Pre-K sat down on the gym floor first. They were precious with their red poppy hats on their head. As the rest of the classes filed in, you could see the red poppy affixed to each child’s shirt. Finally Kiera’s class came in. I waved to her from our seats and she waved back with a big smile on her face.

As Mrs. Wilbourn began speaking, I looked around the gym in amazement. The chairs were filled and people were standing all around the room. Then it all became a reality. Mrs. Wilbourn began introducing Veterans that were in attendance. She read the names of past and current military. As her voice trembled, my eyes began to water.

She continued reading from her list, her voice gaining strength as she thanked each one that was present for their service.

She then turned the program over to the music teacher, Mrs. Gwathmey, who led the classes in different songs. Each song was inspiring and thought provoking. As I watched and listened to the children singing you could see how proud they were to be singing to honor the men and women in the audience.

Kiera had told me the night before that she was nervous about singing. “I want to sing my best for the military.” She stated as she cuddled under her blanket, getting ready for bed. I assured her that if she sang with her heart, then she would be singing her best.

The program continued on with Mrs. Wilbourn reading “In Flanders Field”. By this time, tears were streaming down my cheeks unchecked. I heard a sniffle from my Mom, who was sitting beside me and knew I didn’t dare look at her.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed many people trying to wipe tears from their eyes. I wished I were a better-prepared Mom at that point… that I carried Kleenex in my purse… because I sure could have used them.

I cried as the Taps poem was read and I cried as James Davis Jr. played Taps on his trumpet.

Each class listened with rapt attention as Michael Cloy spoke to them about being a Veteran. For such a huge group of elementary kids, they were amazing as they focused on him while he spoke.

When we all stood to pledge the American flag and the Texas flag, I was overwhelmed by the power of the voices, not just from the adults, but also from the children. As I recited the pledge, with my hand over my heart, I couldn’t help but see the men and women who had served as they saluted the flag. My mind wandered to all the sacrifices that they had made and I cried again.

As the program concluded, I hugged the oldest Veteran in the room and thanked him for his service. I made my way to Mrs. Gwathmey to thank her for all the work that she had put in with the kids, for helping to teach them about respect, honor and our heroes. Instead, I tapped her on the shoulder, hugged her and proceeded to cry as I managed to squeak out a “Thank you.”

Poor woman had never met me before.

I know Veterans Day has come and gone, but I can’t say thank you enough to the men and women who have served and are serving to protect my family and myself. Thank you for standing for me when I cannot. Thank you for so many, many reasons.

And thank you to the staff at Kiera’s school. Thank you for teaching our children about honor, integrity, liberty, respect and heroes. Thank you for teaching them about America.

I will without a doubt be there next year for the program. The only difference is… I will have packed a large box of Kleenex.

Thank you for sharing in our weekly journeys. If you have missed any of our past stories, check out our new blog page at www.lifea2k.net or drop us a line at [email protected].

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Rowonna McNeely works with her husband, Aaron, at Willie’s T’s in the Art Department, regularly volunteers in the community, and has her hands full with her daughter, Kiera, along with two dogs and one cat.

Rowonna is a graduate of May High School (Go Tigers!) and grew up on a dairy farm. She enjoys reading, creating, swimming, and planning events. She’s also a bit of a klutz.

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