Area veterans honored by PIMS seventh-graders
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Seventh-graders and veterans alike enjoyed the recent honorary Veterans Day presentation that was held at Presque Isle Middle School.
The event, which kicked off with students leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, also included a patriotic medley performed by the PIMS band, the viewing of a heroes video, a flag-folding demonstration and the reading of “America’s White Table,” written by Margot Theis Raven.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
SEVERAL VETERANS spoke to Presque Isle Middle School seventh-graders recently following an honorary Veterans Day presentation. Some veterans were there on behalf of Time Warner Cable’s “Take a Veteran to School Day,” while others have children or grandchildren who attend the school. Participating in one of the talks are, from left: Clarence Keegan, Sgt. Mike Warner, Bob Rossignol, past state commander of the Department of Maine American Legion; and John Colton. Behind Colton is his wife, Nan.
“This was a seventh-grade team effort; everyone had a piece to coordinate and it came together very well,” said social studies/English teacher Marianne Dyer. “I was so happy when one of the veterans approached me and said, ‘I’ve been through a lot … been many years in the service … and I want you to know that I’ve never been as touched — or appreciated a presentation — as much as this.’ That meant a lot to me, and that’s what I hoped would happen … that we could reach out and let the veterans know from the heart how much we appreciate what they’ve done for us.
“The reason we do this program is we want to instill in our students the need to honor and respect those who protect us. We want them to understand that it’s because of these people — who have defended our rights and freedoms — that we enjoy the quality of life that we have and that they have the right to sit at a desk and receive an education,” she said. “Every year our hearts are encouraged to continue this celebration. I can’t imagine not continuing this because of the value it has for the students, the veterans and the teachers.”
Caribou’s Peter F. Miesburger, chief of staff of the Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars, was one of 23 area veterans who attended the presentation.
“I was totally amazed at this program. The time and effort that was put into it — and for the students here to see this — is very, very meaningful,” he said.
Miesburger retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20-plus years.
“I’m a Korean and Vietnam-era veteran,” he said, “and this program shows me that the students have got their act together. They are sincere about the program, sincere about the veterans, and sincere about their mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, and grandfathers who may have served. These students really showed that they’re concerned for the veterans and that’s why I came to the program. As long as I can breathe I’ll be attending these programs; it means that much.”
Students Emma Beaulieu and Caleb Page said the presentation was equally meaningful for them.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
ALLISON REED, left, social worker at Presque Isle Middle School, along with student Brittany Warner, show audience members the proper way to fold the American flag during a Veterans Day ceremony held Nov. 10. Reed served for four years in the U.S. Army and another four in the Army National Guard. This was the fifth consecutive year that the seventh-grade teachers have hosted the event.
“It was very touching and I thought the slideshow was very emotional,” said Beaulieu. “Veterans Day is the day where we should honor all of the people who fought for their country — risking their lives — just to make our country what it is today.”
“Overall it was an interesting presentation,” Page said. “I liked the songs that the band played and how the pieces were connected to veterans.
“I know people who are veterans and it means a lot to me to think that these people put their lives at risk to make our country the great place that it is,” he said.
By working with Time Warner Cable’s “Take a Veteran to School Day” program, the local cable company contacted six veterans who visited the classrooms following the ceremony to talk with the students.
This was the fifth consecutive year that the seventh-grade teachers have hosted the event.
