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Witnessing tomorrow's citizens celebrate Veterans Day

By
Real Estate Agent with CENTURY 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s

November 11th, all across Southwest Louisiana, school children and others joined to celebrate Veteran's Day. On this Veterans Day in Lake Charles,  I witnessed tomorrow's citizens and walked away with a smile.

EDS students, Veterans Day, 2008All too often we hear depressing stories of "Today's Youth" that make us think we want to pull the covers over our heads.  Not today. 

I witnessed one of the two musical celebrations of Veterans Day; "This is America 2008" Presented by the Soaring Eagles Chorus of Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School and led by Elayne Gabbert, Director.

The talent and accomplishments of these students are unbelievable. Then you realize they are only fourth and fifth grade students (age of the Chorus I enjoyed).  I had to continually remind myself of the student's true age. 

The other impressive part to the story is that someone is taking time to teach PATRIOTISM. 

We actually stood and said the pledge of allegiance, sang patriotic songs and heard many toe tapping new songs that the young people enjoyed singing along with the older tunes that the audience expected to hear.  The time went so very fast, I felt I had just arrived, when it was over.

I attended this program expecting to hear my Grand Daughter sing a solo.  Her solo was wonderful and brought tears of emotion as I witnessed a pivotal moment.  My Grand Daughter has a WONDERFUL voice that I had not heard previously.  Grandmother became aware of the fact that her very first Grandchild is growing into a Wonderful young Lady. 

It has been wonderful to see that the educational system in Southwest Louisiana considers Patriotism important and worth keeping alive.  The Schools are taking time to bring attention to what our Military has accomplished in years gone by, but also continue on a daily basis to provide on our behalf.  Without these sacrifices we would not have the freedoms that we have and the ability to demonstrate against our government if we are in disagreement or to view such wonderful programs as today's patriotic tribute.

As a Grand Mother, a former teacher, and as a proud citizen, "Thank You" to the public and private school systems across Calcasieu Parish and all of Southwest Louisiana.

 

 

 Veterans Day Celebration, Episcopal Day School

Posted by

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See all my listings and learn more about Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana at Derenda.com.

Comments (19)

Judi Morgan
RETIRED - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, TX Real Estate

Nice to know that our future citizens and leaders are being taught well.  :)

Nov 12, 2008 09:21 AM
Derenda Grubb
CENTURY 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s - Lake Charles, LA
GRI, ABR, CRS

Hi Judi,

Veteran's Day is a Big Event in Southwest Louisiana and I am so very glad that our schools have taken time to emphasize the importance to the young people that not all people in this world enjoy the liberties that they have and that it is because of these men and women that they do have them.

Nov 12, 2008 11:07 AM
Charlie Harden
Columbia, SC

Derenda, this is a great thing! I wish we as a country could somehow take a mass American history class!  Time well spent!  Thanks for sharing the pics.

Nov 17, 2008 11:52 PM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Good Morning Charlie,

Thank you for dropping in to visit.  I really am really proud of our school's efforts to help our youth appreciate the difference in what they have in America and what some individuals experience in other countries.  They also teach the students to whom they owe gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.  Without the sacrifices of all the men and women who have served throughout history, in the name of our Country, we too could be as some of the other countries they study.  The day we stop fighting to protect and secure our freedoms will be the start of their demise.  Thank you, I didn't intend for my response to be so long.

Nov 18, 2008 03:50 AM
#4
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Deranda, it is nice to see that Patriotism is still fashionable in some parts of the country. I am glad that the future generations of Patriots are being thought about  Veterans' Day.

Nov 19, 2008 02:03 PM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Hi Endre,

Thank you for dropping in to visit.  I am very proud of our school system in that they do incorporate Patriotism in the curriculum.

Nov 19, 2008 02:45 PM
#6
Patrick Canavan
Keller Williams Realty - Yorba Linda, CA
Orange County Real Estate Voice

Derenda- It must have been fantastic to hear your Grand Daughter Sing Solo.

Nov 19, 2008 03:33 PM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Derenda~ There isn't anything quite as wonderful as a grand child is there?  And hey! especially one that can sing too!  I am sure you were already proud, and even prouder now!  Vickie

Nov 20, 2008 03:21 AM
Anonymous
Pierre Fontenot

Checking in on your spot and saw the new entry about your grandchild.  One of the things about this neck of Louisiana that I just love is the groundedness of the culture.  You watch TV and they present these California nuts as if they represent America.  But here, believing in God is still cool, praying over a meal at a restaurant is still honorable, pulling over for a funeral procession still is respected, and thinking that being an American Citizen is a flat-out Blessing from God is a general point of view.  There's a culture here that has its feet on the ground.  Sure we've got mosquitoes and humidity, but bless our heart, we got people that have their feet planted on old-fashioned common sense and their eyes on eternal values.

Nov 20, 2008 11:00 AM
#9
Anonymous
Anonymous

Hi Pierre,

Glad you dropped in.  I am very proud of our Louisiana Culture and in general the values that most of our citizens embrace.  Since I started out as a school teacher for many years, I still have a very strong interest in what the schools do for our children.  Of course my grand children are very important to me as well.  Hopefully you noticed the comments on the post for 81.  Take care.  See you soon.

Nov 20, 2008 01:13 PM
#10
Anonymous
Anonymous

Hi Vickie,

A grand child IS the most wonderful thing in the world.  I totally enjoy mine.  I am very proud of all of them.  I had no idea that she could sing.  She has such a dry sense of humor and had never demonstrated any serious vocal skills around us.  It was a total surprise when she opened her little mouth and this beautiful little voice came out.  Very Proud.

Nov 20, 2008 01:28 PM
#11
Anonymous
Anonymous

Hi Patrick,

It was wonderful to hear her sing.  We had never heard her sing before.  Matter of fact, we did not know that she had a talented voice.  I think I probably sat there with my mouth open a little wider than normal when I first heard her sing.  I was not expecting her to be THAT good.  They grow up so very fast.

Nov 20, 2008 01:37 PM
#12
M. Suzi Woods (Gravenstuk)
NOW Sharing the life and spice of the GC one day at a time - Grand Canyon, AZ
Suzi Woods, Prior Independent REBroker in MS

Derenda, I appreciate you sharing your family story. I cry every time I hear the Long Beach Choir. My daughter is a member/participant. They work so hard and sound so professional. I hope your grand daughter will continue with a strong choir. It is relief to hear of schools anywhere advocating patriotism.

Nov 29, 2008 01:15 PM
Kathy Kooyman
Home Realty - Pella, IA

Derenda,  thanks for sharing the pics.  Our elementary schools put on a program as well, when the ask the kids if they have any family members serving in Iraq and several stand.  It really brings it close to home.

Nov 30, 2008 05:04 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Hi Kathy,

Thank you so much for dropping in to visit.  I appreciate your comments.  I have friends with family members in Iraq and clients as well.  I feel our children should know how they obtain their freedoms.  Some of the children may have parents in the service.  It does bring it close to home.

Nov 30, 2008 08:37 AM
#15
Charlie Harden
Columbia, SC

Derenda, stopping by to wish you a Happy '09.  Of course this post was worth a second look! 

Jan 13, 2009 03:14 AM
Derenda Grubb
CENTURY 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s - Lake Charles, LA
GRI, ABR, CRS

Hi Charlie,

Thank you for dropping by.  I have not been able to visit with you Guys as much as I would like lately with all the work going on at my house.  I can hardly wait for it to be over.  Thank you so much for visiting a second time.  Drop in any time.  Always great to hear from you.  I will stop by your place later this week.  State meetings may give me some quiet time at night.  HA!

Jan 13, 2009 04:40 AM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Derenda~ I was just checking in on you and wondering where you have been.  Haven't seen any of your blogs lately..  everything ok?  Vickie

Jan 19, 2009 12:13 PM
Cindy Crutcher
Lawrenceburg KY Foreclosures & Government Owned Properties - Lawrenceburg, KY
Real Estate Broker - Exit Realty Crutcher Lawrenceburg KY

Derenda,

A great post!  I am sure you are proud of your grand daughter as I am proud to be an American!  Thanks for sharing this event.  I used to be a school teacher as well.

Feb 20, 2009 03:50 PM