After rendering an emotional speech at the Veteran's Day Program Wednesday morning, Jim Valentine read a post-Revolutionary War quote from George Washington: "Gentlemen protect the boundaries of your country, your country comes first and your people come first."
The location was the high school Auditorium. Hundreds of community members, and students gathered to show their support for our nation's veterans. Several veterans were in attendance. Sergeant First Class Manuel Soria, who served as a Platoon Sergeant in Vietnam and in the National Guard, was the organizer of the ceremony.
"The auditorium was full and the program was pretty good," Soria said.
The program started with David Brody directing the Star Spangled Banner performed by the Wellington High School Band. Chaplain from the American Legion and retired Colonel Wayne White conducted the program's opening prayer. White said the Veteran's day program means that the country, community and students care about the nations heroes.
"They want to know about our past history, they want to know about the military," White said. "Most kids anymore don't really now much about the military."
Fourth grade students from Eisenhower and Washington Elementary sang "America the Beautiful" followed by "Those Who Served."
A standing ovation was received by the Lincoln and Kennedy Elementary fifth graders for their rendition of "American Tears." Manuel Soria said that was one of his favorite parts of the program. Jim Valentine said the entire program was a stand out to him. High School principal Dale Liston thought the celebration went very well.
"I was very pleased with it," Liston said. "Every one I've ever been to has been well to honor our veterans. I thought that last music they played where they did all the songs of the all the services was quite moving, it always gives me butterflies. All the music groups did a nice job."
Wellington Middle School students performed sign language to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." They were followed by the Wellington High School Choral and Madrigals group who sang "In Flanders Fields."
Vietnam Veteran Sgt. Jim Valentine, who served with the 101st Airborne Division, 2nd battalion 506th Infantry, was the speaker of the day's festivities. His speech brought the pack auditorium to its feet with words that inspired pride in one's country and respect to those who have served and are currently serving. Valentine said the program shows that patriotism is not just a word.
"In the first place, what we have here is the right to do this because of the sacrifices that have been made," Valentine said after the program. "That is what's so important, is that people understand that every privilege that they have is actually a privilege, it is really not a right that it's been paid for time and time again with the lives of Americans here and in other countries."
After Valentine spoke the high school band played the different songs that represented the different branches of the military. Veterans were asked to stand when they heard their service's song. The Veteran's Day program concluded with a closing prayer from Chaplain White. Valentine said that the young people in attendance Wednesday need to realize they are the future.
"You don't need to lose sight of the past, you also don't need to dwell in it, but positive moves bring about positive actions..." Valentine observed. "Our country needs to remain strong our country needs to remain free."
