Blue Ridge Elementary School held its annual Veterans’ Day ceremony on Wednesday, November 9, under the direction of third grade social studies teacher Jason Roop and fourth grade Virginia studies teacher, Stephanie Scales.
The Patrick County High School JROTC Color Guard began the service with the presentation of the colors. Former Blue Ridge students Gracie Luckado and Bennett Reeder, along with James Lane and Nathaniel Montgomery represented the Patrick County JROTC.
Seventh grader Jeffrey Moore, played The National Anthem. Fourth grade chorus students performed Eleven Eleven March and Thank a Vet under the direction of Victoria Stephens. The third grade students performed USA Chant Song. Jason Shepherd, first grader, read a poem entitled, “Veterans Day.”
Blue Ridge School and the community were honored to have Lt. Col. Jeremiah Baldwin as a guest speaker. He spoke to the students and guests about today’s world and how completely different it is from when he was in school. He talked about how students had precious time in front of them and opportunities to do so much with that time.
In addition, Lt. Col. Baldwin brought the history in our area to life by explaining how although we have never had foreign troops march right through Ararat, we have been affected. He said, “In April of 1865, after General Lee surrendered at Appomattox, but before General Johnston surrendered in Raleigh, Union Calvary forces ventured close to Ararat. Stoneman’s Raid began in March of 1865 in Knoxville, Tenn., proceeded east into North Carolina before proceeding up to Mount Airy, then up through Cana to Hillsville.
“From there, Stoneman’s forces destroyed the railroad from Wytheville up to Roanoke before returning to North Carolina through Meadows and Dan and what is today the town of Stuart. That is as close as Ararat has ever come to the geographical tragedy of war. However, in other ways, Ararat has been very affected by war, and that is because Ararat has produced the most precious resource that a commander in combat can possess. The most precious of resources are the sons and daughters of the nation.”
Baldwin spoke about root causes of wars and how terrible war truly is. He urged us to honor our veterans even though we may never fully understand their sacrifice. He compared the sacrifices of veterans to the sacrifice and sense of community Ararat had back in February when the tornado devastated homes and property near the school. He commended the community for coming together and responding to our fellow neighbors for the common good. He made the comparison of how soldiers perform out of a sense of duty just like that.
In summary, Baldwin encouraged students to seize the opportunities to make a difference with their own sacrifice and service.
His speech received a standing ovation. In closing, Kandy Burnett, Dan River school board representative, and Roger Hayden, Dan River supervisor, each thanked the veterans in attendance and presented each of them with a certificate and student-made card.
Seventh grader Taylor Smith ended the ceremony by playing Taps followed by a moment of silence dedicated to all Blue Ridge heroes and fallen soldiers who will never be forgotten in our hearts and minds.
Blue Ridge Elementary students, staff, and administration also wish to thank all the veterans and families that attended.
