VETERANS DAY
PROGRAM
The Star Spangled Banner
Performance Version
We Honor You
Performance Version
ALL STUDENTS:
Day by day, there is a mighty way
On to defend and save honor and glory.
Land or air, oceans or anywhere,
Giving your life to share freedom’s story.
So now, we dedicate our days
Showing our thanks & praise for all you do
We stand, singing a noble song
To all the brave and strong, we honor you.
Sacrifice, done without thinking twice.
Willing to pay the price when it was needed.
Hear the words you have rightly earned:
“Welcome home”, deserved. “Job completed.”
So now, we dedicate our days
Showing our thanks & praise for all you do
We stand, singing a noble song
To all the brave and strong, we honor you.
So now, we dedicate our days
Showing our thanks & praise for all you do
We stand, singing a noble song
To all the brave and strong, we honor you.
Group 1:
Now today, we’re standing up to say
We’ll carry on the flame we have been given.
Group 2:
We’ll be strong, working to right the wrongs.
We’ll carry on the song of your vision.
God Bless the USA
Performance Version
Group 1:
In history I’ve learned about
So many countries where
They lost their right to freedom,
A blessing you and I all share.
I thank my lucky stars
To be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
And they can’t take that away.
ALL STUDENTS:
And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’ll gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God Bless the USA
Group 2:
From the lakes of Minnesota
To the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea,
From Detroit down to Houston,
And New York to L.A.,
There is pride in every American heart,
And it’s time to stand and say,
ALL STUDENTS:
And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’ll gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God Bless the USA
And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’ll gladly stand up -----CYMBALS-----
Next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God Bless the USA
1. Army
Over hill, over dale,
We will hit the dusty trail,
And those caissons go rolling along.
In and out, hear them shout, Counter marching all about,
And those caissons go rolling along.
For it’s Hi, Hi, Hee, in the field artillery!
Count out your numbers loud and strong! 2-3-4 HUT 2-3
And where e’er you go, You will always know,
That those caissons go rolling along.
2. Navy
Anchors away, my boys,
Anchors away.
Farewell to college joys,
We sail at break of day (day, day, day).
Through our last night on shore,
Hail to the foam.
Until we meet once more,
Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home.
3. Coast Guard
We’re always ready for the call,
We place our trust in Thee.
Through howling gale and shot and shell,
To win our victory.
“Semper Paratus” is our guide,
our pledge our motto, too.
We’re always ready, do or die!
Aye! Coast Guard we fight for you!
4. Air Force
Off we go into the wild, blue yonder,
climbing high into the sun.
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
“At ‘em boys, give ‘er the gun!”
“Give ‘er the GUN!”
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
off with one terrible roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame. “Hey!”
For nothing’ll stop the U.S. Air Force.
5. Marines
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We will fight our country’s battles,
In the air, on land and sea.
First we fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean.
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marines.
6. Space Force
We're the mighty watchful eye,
Guardians beyond the blue.
The invisible front line,
Warfighters brave and true.
Boldly reaching into space,
There's no limit to our sky.
Standing guard both night and day,
We're the Space Force from on high!
WHY is Veterans Day Important?
Speaker 1-
Welcome to our Veterans Day Program. Please stand for the Pledges and our National Anthem.
I pledge allegiance to the flag,
of the United States of America
And to the republic for which it stands.
One nation, under God, indivisible
With liberty and justice for all.
Honor the Texas flag.
I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas,
One state, under God, one and indivisible
1: National Anthem (Star-Spangled Banner)
Speaker 1-
Thank you, please be seated
Speaker 2-
When Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star Spangled Banner” over two hundred years ago, he called America, “the home of the brave.” Those words are as true today as they were then.
Speaker 3-
Today, we are joined by the Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group, who serve our community by conducting and participating in patriotic events and memorial services. Please join us in welcoming them. (Pause for clapping).
Speaker 4-
Throughout our nation’s history, America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguard have bravely answered the call to defend our freedom and to aid our friends and allies.
Speaker 5-
Today, we come together to honor a very important group of people. These Veterans have served our country in the Armed Forces.
Speaker 6-
We Americans are fortunate enough to enjoy peace and freedom. But this freedom we enjoy did not come cheaply.
Speaker 7-
Men and women who answered the call to serve their country in the Armed Forces have paid the price for our freedom by making many personal sacrifices.
Speaker 8 -
On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 am an armistice (or treaty) was signed, ending World War 1. This day became known as Armistice Day.
Speaker 9 -
The first Veterans’ Day parade was in Birmingham, Alabama on November 11, 1947. Later, Congress changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans’ Day.
Speaker 10 -
Then, in 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day. He called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.
Speaker 11 -
Former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, once stated “we must not forget the past. We must not forget those who sacrificed, but we must also remember the reason for their sacrifice.”
Song 2: We Honor You:
Speaker 12 -
Because of the Veteran we proudly wave our banner high above all others. The United States flag goes by many names, such as “the Red, White, and Blue”, “Old Glory”, and the “Star-Spangled Banner”.
Speaker 13 -
For this flag, Veterans have given of their lives and fortunes. Our soldiers have marched into battle from Valley Forge to the deserts of the Middle East, and beyond.
Speaker 14 -
We proudly wave our banner from the South Pole to the Moon, and in times of peace and war. For over 200 years it has been loved and respected.
Speaker 15 -
The red stripes represent courage, heroism, and sacrifice. The white stripes stand for hope and purity of our ideals. The blue field represents strength, justice, and unity, and the fifty stars represent each state of our great country.
Speaker 16 -
Honor her, respect her, defend her. Never let her enemies tear her down; always fly her high. Be proud of what our flag stands for.
Speaker 17 -
“May the flag wave boldly with its vibrant hues…honoring veterans like you, with the beautiful red, white and blue!”
Speaker 18 -
Throughout our nation’s history, Americans have taken up arms to defend the very principles our nation was built upon.
Speaker 19 -
Our Military branches include the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Throughout our nation’s history, these Americans have served their country in many different wars, as well as during times of peace.
Speaker 20 -
If you are a veteran who served during the Second World War, the Korean, Vietnam, or Gulf Wars, please stand so that we can honor you. (Pause for clapping). Thank you, please be seated.
Speaker 21 -
If you are a veteran who served during the ongoing War on Terror, or during times of peace, or if you are currently serving, please stand so that we can honor you. (Pause for clapping). Thank you, please be seated.
Speaker 22-
We would also like to honor the military personnel who are no longer with us. If you are here representing a loved one who served our country in a branch of the Armed Forces, please stand at this time. (Pause for clapping). Thank you, please be seated.
Speaker 23-
We students of Highland Park invite you to join us in singing a tribute to your branch. Please stand as we play your branch’s song.
Speaker 24-
Our nation was founded upon the belief that we are all equal, and endowed with rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Speaker 25-
Throughout history and even today, our Veterans sacrifice so much to protect and defend those rights and freedoms. That’s what makes the USA so great.
Speaker 26-
These Veterans sacrifice so much to protect those freedoms. That’s why the USA is so great.
Song 4: God Bless the USA:
Speaker 27-
“Taps,” the famous bugle call, became famous during the Civil War and is played during flag ceremonies and funerals. It is also played at “lights out” at military installations.
Speaker 28-
The melody was the official army bugle call after the war, and was given the name “Taps” in1874. While “Taps” is played, we civilians place our right hands over our hearts.
Speaker 29-
Veterans and Active Duty Service members will salute. Unlike most songs, there is no applause after the playing of “Taps”.
Speaker 30-
Now join us for the Flag Folding Ceremony, Retiring the Colors, and playing of “Taps.”
*Flag is folded & carried back, then Vets retrieve & retire flags, then TAPS…
Speaker 31-
The fifth graders of Highland Park Elementary would like to thank everyone for being here today. Learning about our past will help us all appreciate our freedoms and become better Americans. To our Veterans, thank you for your service.
Speaker 32- EXTRA - VOLUNTEER LINE
Before you leave, we would like to honor two of our veterans by gifting them a Quilt of Valor, handmade by Norma Clubb. Quilts of Valor is a passion project Ms. Clubb started upon retiring as a Sheriff’s Department dispatcher.
Speaker 33- EXTRA - VOLUNTEER LINE
Since that time, in an effort to show her gratitude to those men and women who have so selflessly served us, Ms. Clubb has given 72 quilts to Veterans.
Speaker 34- EXTRA - VOLUNTEER LINE
When you arrived, we asked our veterans to list their name, time of service, and age. We are honored to be able to present quilts to our two oldest veterans in attendance today. (NAMES)