Veterans Day at Salem Elementary is always a special day. With heartfelt ceremonies, moving tributes, and special guests, the school honored the brave men and women who have served our country with pride.
The assembly brought together students, teachers, and community leaders for a memorable morning. Among the distinguished guests were Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva, Brigadier General Chad Bridges, Representatives RJ Hawk, Lannie Fite, and Keith Brooks, as well as Bryant Mayor Chris Treat. As they joined the students in celebrating our nation’s veterans, it was clear this event held a special place in everyone's hearts.
The assembly, led by students, began with the Pledge of Allegiance by student ambassadors, setting a tone of patriotism and respect. Seventh-grader and former Salem Tiger, Eden Lockhart, performed the National Anthem. Second-grade students followed with heartfelt renditions of The Veterans’ March and Veterans, We Love You, under the guidance of their music teacher, Mrs. Zintel.
A highlight of the morning was a stirring performance by the 106th Army Band’s Gold Standard Saxophone Quartet, who played the U.S. Armed Forces Medley. As each branch’s anthem rang out, students proudly held flags representing the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marines, symbolizing respect for every part of the nation’s military. Veterans stood as their anthem was played.
The student-led tribute continued as they placed stars on a timeline, marking the years when their family members served. It was a moving gesture, underscoring the personal connection so many students have to the heroes being honored.
Governor Sanders spoke with deep gratitude, calling veterans “the very best of our country,” and encouraged students to remember and thank those who have given so much for our state and nation. This message was brought to life in the heartfelt recital of Ode to Veterans by students Caroline Sims and Roman Brown, whose voices conveyed the power of the words:
“So let us speak their names with pride,
For freedom’s sake, they turned the tide.
In every heart, their spirit stays,
A lasting gift on this great day.”
Following the assembly, students and their veterans participated in a “Parade of Heroes,” walking through halls lined with cheering classmates and teachers. It was a joyous yet solemn moment, embodying the community's collective respect and admiration. Special thanks go to 5th-grade teacher Kristen Pearson, who organized the event with dedication and attention to detail, making this celebration truly unforgettable.
After the assembly, Governor Sanders and Secretary Oliva visited classrooms, quizzing students on Arkansas history and awarding homework passes for correct answers. They also answered questions from curious students, like “What is the state fish?” and “What is the state bird?”
With a mix of reverence, patriotism, and learning, Salem Elementary’s Veterans Day program reminded everyone in attendance of the sacrifices made for our freedom and the importance of honoring those who served. This was a day the students and their families will carry with them for years to come.
