It was an evening filled with tears, cheers and hearts bursting with pride as staff, students and members of the community gathered to honor veterans and the men and women currently serving their country, at the annual Veteran's Salute Concert: Flag of Freedom.

Excelsior Middle School hosted the Nov. 8 event that boasted a full house of people wanting to pay tribute to those who have served in the armed forces as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The evening started with a slide show of photos of service men and women in all five branches of the armed forces working in places around the world and the United States. Patriotic numbers were sung by the school's choir and the Delta Community Presbyterian Church Ensemble, and others were played by the Excelsior band.

Students read poetry and spoke of what it is to be a veteran. Tandra Trendholm, who served in the U.S. Army, shared her experiences of what it was like to be a woman in the armed forces.

Dressed like soldiers in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, Gary Young, USMC (RET) and LTC Ollie Guinn, USA (RET) of the National Sojourners, Inc. gave a presentation on how Old Glory came to be and what the stars and stripes represent, beginning with the flag's humble beginnings to what it represents today.

The flag is "a constant link that binds men to God and country," said Guinn.

Teacher Kathy Tickner started the presentation nine years ago as a way of honoring her father, who served in the Marine Corps. She also felt that patriotism was waning and wanted to give her students and the community an opportunity to remember veterans and the sacrifices they had made.



Photos by Juli Mijares

Tandra Trendholm, left, who was a sergeant in the U.S. Army, tells what it was like for a woman to serve in the armed forces.

"It's very emotional with teaching kids in the classroom," Tickner said. "I'm very attached to this. I want to have the kids really understand what they are."

Attendees said that they have found the program so memorable that each year they make it a point to come back and take part in tribute.

"It's wonderful. I learned a lot about the American flag I didn't know about," said parent Tom Sacco. "I enjoy it every year."

The school's gym was decorated with representations of the flag made by the students, along with nearly 300 entrees in the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest. Wall space was also available for attendees to write down the names of veterans in their families.

In closing, winners of the flag decorating and peace poster contests were announced. Winners of the flag poster contest were: first place: Tanya Schmidt and Kyle Grant; second place: Torrie Goldman and Haley Cross; third place: Rebecca Days. First place in the Lions Peace Poster contest went to Carla Rodriguez and second place was awarded to Gustavo Ruiz. Carla will compete in a local contest against winners from other schools. The winner from that contest will move on to regional competition.