Botetourt County celebrates its local veterans

By Matt de Simone

Botetourt County veterans were honored during programs over the last week. Members of the community expressed their thanks and gratitude celebrating veterans and active military in assemblies at local elementary schools, churches, and municipalities.

Buchanan Elementary School presented a Veterans Day assembly last Friday where music teacher Beth Radford conducted students from each grade level performing patriotic songs. A “wall of honor” in the school’s cafeteria commemorated the names of local veterans, some of whom were in attendance for the program.

Buchanan Elementary students helped in providing the list of names for the wall that included “Thank You” cards to each veteran. Radford read off the list of names prior to the musical performances.

”Our goal is to teach our students to love our country and the value of service to it,” Radford said when asked about last Friday’s assembly. “We should be thankful to the men and women who have sacrificed so much to help ensure our freedom and future growth. We hope our program will express our love and gratitude to all who have served the United States of America.”

Additionally, a “field of flags” was installed outside of the elementary school for the local veterans honored during last Friday’s ceremony.

On Veterans Day, the Troutville Sunshine Girls hosted their 15^th annual program honoring county veterans. Each veteran in attendance received a medal and some shared a few words when receiving the honor. Students from Lord Botetourt High School wrote “Thank You” cards to the veterans. Lee Henry of the Sunshine Girls read one of the letters from Michael Bennett, a 10^th grader from Lord Botetourt. In it, Bennett said, “I’m so thank for you and the service to our nation. I’m grateful to live in this country and to have the best opportunities in the world. I will live my life with a purpose. I will work hard and have pride in my country to honor you and all of those who have served. Thank you for everything you have done– me and every American owe it to you.”

In Fincastle, Central Academy Middle School held the annual Veterans Day program where students heard from guest speaker Marine veteran and BCPS school counselor Ashley Albright.

Later that evening, Quilts of Valor presented 23 veterans with quilts during a presentation ceremony Monday night at The Church of the Transfiguration. Those who were honored are members of the church. Tom Coloton, a parishioner and Marine Corps veteran, organized Monday evening’s ceremony.

The veterans honored represented all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Quilts of Valor were given to the following veterans: Carter Allman, Michael Brennan, Bill Bushman, Steve Cook, Marty Devine, Bill Dillion, Dennis Giles, Scott Harlow, Forrest Hodge, Robert Hoffman, Paul Jesteadt, Alex Kamwell, Eric Klotz, Tracey Klotz, Mike Madonna, Luis Matos, Lenny McLean, Dave Mooty, Trevor Powers, Pat Ryan, Charles Vassar, Jr., Michael Whelan, and Richard Witherow.