MBE honors veterans

In November, fifth grade students at Mountain Brook Elementary took part in a week of patriotism that culminated in the annual Salute to Veterans. A different, notable flag was raised and flown in front of the school each day of the week leading up to the program. These included a 1945 flag flown in Tokyo Bay following World War II, the flag accompanying the Space Shuttle Columbia on a 1992 mission and a century old flag with only 46 stars. Each was accompanied by a marker about its year and importance.

The Salute to Veterans included 30 honored guests from every branch of United States military service. Following a slide presentation, flags representing these branches were installed by the fifth grade Color Guard. Led by the direction of music teacher, Shari Dorsett, the audience heard songs about country, patriotism and American pride.

The show concluded with veterans in attendance coming to the stage when the theme song for the branch of service in which he or she served was played. Students then placed a flag pin on their veteran. Guest trumpeter Bradley Jenkins, eighth grade MBJH band student, closed the program with “Taps” to honor and remember those who died during service for our country.