MES continues tradition with a salute to veterans

Mariposa Elementary School students and staff continued the long held tradition of honoring those who have served and continue to.

The Veterans Day Commemoration ceremony took place for the 28th time on Monday, Nov. 10 at MES.

The middle school band kicked off the celebration with “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” followed by a warm welcome from Principal Erin Vereschagin.

“Today marks the 28th year that our staff has instilled gratitude for our nation’s service members into our students,” Vereschagin said.

“We have TK through 8th grade students with big hearts here today and over the past few weeks they have all been learning about why Veterans Day is so special.”

Keith Trump then sang “The Star Spangled Banner” while the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard raised the flag.

Students, staff and all visitors stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the “Armed Forces Salute,” where veterans had the opportunity to stand when their branch’s song was played.

Rosemarie Smallcombe from the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors delivered a positive message to students before Peter Halajian, Field Representative of Assemblyman David J. Tangipa, took to the podium.

Halajian spoke of his own experience in the military.

“It’s interesting to be here and be a veteran but it still seems like just yesterday,” he said.

“This is the first time I’ve seen an elementary school and the community come together like this on Veterans Day and it’s amazing.”

Greg Holte, Representative of Congressman Tom McClintock, also provided some insightful thoughts to the group followed by a special tribute from the Mariposa County High School ASB students.

“Veterans’ Day is a special time to say thank you to those who have served,” Holte said.

MES students then joined together to sing “Proud to be an American.”

Members of the Keith M. Bertken VFW Post 6042 provided a “Three Volley Rifle Salute” followed by “Taps” played by Dr. Teenie Matlock.

The VFW Post Commander, Keith Stowell, invited all veterans and their families to the annual spaghetti dinner which took place the next evening on Veterans Day.

Vereschagin thanked everyone for helping to continue the tradition of recognizing and celebrating the nation’s veterans while the MCHS band played.