Schools across Lexington-Richland School District 5 took time to honor our veterans on Veterans Day. The day was filled with student performances, special lunches and the honoring of past and present service men and women.

John Hipp, an Army veteran that served from 1973 to 1979, was proud to be part of the activities at River Springs Elementary and spend the day with his granddaughter. “It’s just great to be recognized and spend some time with my granddaughter. It’s just a wonderful celebration,” said Hipp.

Like many schools in the district, River Springs Elementary hosted veterans for a special Thanksgiving lunch that included student artwork and musical performances. Barbara Savage, a school-wide instructional assistant at the school helped plan the day and said Veterans Day is just one way they are able to honor those who served or currently serve.

“Any time we get the chance to include our family members, especially our veterans that have served our country, it gives us a great feeling,” said Savage. “All of the grade levels come together and are anxious to support them and give them all the glory to be honored the way we do.”

Dutch Fork Middle also honored veterans with a special lunch and recognition, something principal Vernon Sava said was a tradition for the school. “Historically, Dutch Fork Middle honors our veterans by providing a luncheon free of charge,” said Sava. “We also have Veterans Day curriculum embedded into our day as well and we have a veteran speaking to all of our seventh-grade students regarding his service and experiences in the military. It’s a great opportunity for our students and staff members to remember and appreciate those that have given us our freedoms.”

Navy Veteran Darren Wokurka was a part of the luncheon at Dutch Fork Middle and praised the District for taking the time to honor all veterans. “I think it’s a wonderful thing that the District does providing lunch and an opportunity to come in,” said Wokurka. “I think it’s not only good to spend time with your kids, but it’s also good for everyone too see and honor the sacrifices people make for our country.”

During Chapin Elementary’s Veterans Day program, school resource officer Deputy Matt Padula, who served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years, was given a quilt of valor from his former fifth grade teacher Ms. Kathy Sharpe Younginer. A quilt of valor is given to any service man or woman who has served their country and represents love, happiness and healing.

During the special ceremony, Chapin Elementary Principal Jesse Hutchinson who currently has a son serving in the United States Army said Veterans Day has taken on a new meaning for him, but that Veterans Day was all about enjoying being American and celebrating our freedom. “We are going to enjoy being American and this amazing country that we live in and it’s our hope that our young people that will eventually become our community and our leaders will grow up with an appreciation for what our veterans have done and an appreciation for our country and the community we have here and all of our many blessings,” said Hutchinson.