Tuesday, November 10, 2009

I Was Blessed Today

I went to work today and there was an assembly to honor veterans.

I had the next two hours free so I entered the school gym to attend this event.



Being a veteran I am just a little patriotic so I love these kinds of things.


Seated at the front with the school choir were men (I assumed to be veterans) and their children who attended our school. I call it our school because I've been subbing there for about eight weeks now.

I found a seat in the back with the parents. After the posting of the colors and a very sweet rendition of the Star Spangled Banner (I almost cried) by all of us (the school choir helped tremendously) we were seated and the principal began his greetings.

He asked if there were any veterans in the audience. I jumped to my feet thinking there would be several others. Nope...just me. The principal said, "Mrs. Johnson, come on up here." So I joyously walked to the front thinking he was going to ask me a few quick questions and I'd be back in my seat soon. Nope again...he said," "Can someone bring a chair up here for Mrs. Johnson?" I was thrilled and embarrassed at the same time. I had no idea this would happen.

No one knew I had been in the Navy so there were a lot of surprised and smiling faces. The principal was quite surprised. Who would have thought that a few years in the Navy, almost twenty years ago, would have me being honored with others who have served our country in an elementary school today?

I appreciated it so much and I felt so honored even though I served in peace time. Some of the other veterans served during wars and gave our country many years. One soldier was still serving and has two sweet little girls at our school. He plans to retire soon.

The principal had each of us share what service we were in and how long and where we served. Some shared more which was nice. The kids seemed to be very interested. We were each given a handmade card by some of the students and a red rose with the American Flag attached. It was so nice.

The school choir sang two more songs and one Army veteran, currently Boy Scout leader, gave a fun speech full of audience participation. It was a pleasant and much appreciated assembly.

One Army veteran was a Filipino who came to the U.S. to get an education. He joined the army so he could go to college on the GI Bill. He loves his country, the USA, and served for many years. He shook my hand as did others as they thanked me for my service.

I have mentioned in earlier posts that I spent three years in the Philippines and I became a Christian and was baptized there. The Philippines and the people there have a place in my heart forever.

At the recesses throughout the day several students came to me and asked me about my military service. Some thanked me and others were just plain surprised. Teachers and office workers thanked me and shared their stories of being dependents of someone in the military or working on a base. It was quite a day for me at Rainier View Elementary School.

I love America and all that it has stood for over the years. I pray that our country will maintain it's freedom and liberty for all.

HAPPY VETERANS' DAY !!




ANCHOR'S AWAY!!

12 comments:

  1. WAHOO, Nannette~

    You DESERVE to be honored.

    GOD BLESS YOU, my friend! Thank you for your service and dedication to our country.

    God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces!

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  2. That was awesome and you should be honored. Thank you for serving our country for those years. Have a blessed Veteran's day

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  3. Oh what a great post!! How wonderful for you!!
    Thank you for your service!!

    Happy Veterans Day!!

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  4. Wow, that is awesome!!! I remember, long ago, during a church service they asked all vets to stand up and you stood up and I was like "Really?" I didn't know you as well then, so was surprised to hear that you'd been in the military.

    My dad used to go to school functions like this. He felt honored to be able to share and to encourage the kids to appreciate their freedoms which so many fought (and some died) for.

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  5. I just want to personally thank you for the service you donated to our country Nanette. I pray that our country will maintain its liberty too!!!

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  6. Just stopped by to say "HI" and wish you guys a Happy Veterans Day. Hadn't seen you around the block in a while, and was missin ya'.

    Erica =0)

    {hugs}

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  7. I'm so glad you got recognized! And what a special honor to have EVERYONE see that you are deeper then they ever knew.
    Happy Veteran's Day!
    Here's to YOU!

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  8. how wodnerful to be honored in such a way! Thank you so much for your service to our country - it's because of people like you that we live in freedom!! BE BLESSED!!!

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  9. Wow! That is incredible! I'm so glad you received the honor you deserve! Even serving in peace time takes a courage and commitment that we all appreciate!

    Thank you!!!

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  10. Nanette,
    I have an award for you! Please stop by and pick it up when you get a chance.
    Christy

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  11. Thank you Nannette for your service to our country! From the bottom of my heart! I am so glad you were blessed!

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