Heroes Recognized at Frederiksen Elementary School’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration

DUBLIN, CA–For the 13th year, Frederiksen Elementary School marked a school wide recognition of Veterans Day. Given its close proximity to Camp Parks, all branches of the U.S. military were celebrated on the blacktop in a morning presentation.

As in previous years, this ceremony was planned and executed by Ms. Catherine Brown and Ms. Jamie Perez. It was an event that was filled with singing, a nod to the history of In Flanders Field, the respectful process of flag folding, a moment of silence for fallen soldiers and outright gratitude to all of our veterans and current service members.

Camp Parks Garrison Commander Sergeant Major Jason Johnson explained that on average, only 1% of the general population will elect to join the armed services. Yet these people make the sacrifice not only for themselves, but for the safety of our nation. VFW Post 6298 member Dave Ham explained the significance of the decorative poppies and shared that these are constructed by veterans that are recovering from combat injury. One of the most stirring moments was the playing of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes by Tesser Call of the VFM Local 1000.

It was a moving, yet significant assembly for all of the students. It helped them to understand why they will have a school holiday next Monday. More importantly, it allowed them to express their thanks and to shake hands with real heroes.