Photo By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ganz | Approximately 200 members of the Air Force Academy Preparatory School march with...... read more read more
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USAF Academy, Colo. - Students from Douglas Valley Elementary on the United States Air Force Academy, participated in a hero’s parade honoring service members and veterans Friday, November 10, 2017.
Members and veterans from the United States Air Force, Army, Marines Corps, Navy and Coast Guard, marched alongside their children and students in addition to approximately 200 members from the USAF Academy Preparatory School.
“This parade lets students see all branches of the military,” Adrienne Morey, Assistant Principal said. “The community sees us as being on the Air Force Academy and only having Air Force (family) students.”
Morey said the students worked all week leading up to the parade to make floats.
“Even academy cadets came to the school to help build the floats,” Morey said.
There was a mix of veterans and active service members in uniform in attendance for the parade.
“Being able to participate in this march allows us to honor and respect all of those who serve and have served in the past, and gave their lives for our country,” said Lt. Col. Lance Giannone, Air Force Academy Wing Chaplain.
“My daughter told me, ‘dad you’re marching with me so put your uniform on’,” Giannone said.
Navy Commander, Cmrd. Jon O’Connor, stationed at Peterson Air Force Base, marched with his 10-year-old daughter Claire, who is a fourth grader and member of the student council at Douglas Valley.
“We come from a long line of veterans and have pictures of them in uniform on the wall at home,” said O’Connor, “We call it our hall of heroes.”
Army Specialist Michael Holland and his son Michael Holland Jr., a first grader, also marched together.
“Veteran’s day is a way for us to let them (veterans) know we haven’t forgotten about them,” Spc. Holland said. “The future generations are going to pick up where they left off.”
After the parade, students and family entered the gym as the school choir sang the National Anthem. The USAFA Preparatory School rifle team showcased a display of rifle drills and the kindergarten class recited a poem titled ‘Flag’.
Marine Veteran Carlos Jennings, who served from 2001 – 2006 as a sergeant, was with his son, Jackson, a third grader.
“I try to teach my sons respect for someone who put their life on hold and sacrifices they made for the country,” Jennings said.
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.13.2017 10:56 |
| Story ID: | 258069 |
| Location: | USAF ACADEMY, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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