Even those with the smallest voices in Picayune were paying tribute to the nation’s veterans on Veteran’s Day.
The students at West Side Elementary School performed a patriotic celebration for family, friends and veterans at the Picayune School District Auditorium.
The students were led in song by West Side music teacher, Rhonda Butler.
“They all worked very hard and were dedicated to this program to honor the veterans,” Butler said.
Not only were the students honoring those in the armed services, they were also celebrating Grandparent’s Day, Principal Mary Williams said. After the program, grandparents were invited back to the school to attend the book fair with their grandchildren.
During the event, Picayune Memorial High School’s JROTC presented the colors and Pearl River Central High School’s JROTC executed the tribute to the five branches of military.
During that time, all veterans were asked to stand at the front of the auditorium with their flag when each branch’s theme song was played.
Each grade from kindergarten to the sixth, performed three songs where they used a variety of props including sign language, pom poms, cutout heart flags, decorated paper plates, streamers and colored flashlights.
James Clark served in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1978 and watched two of his grandchildren perform. He said that times have changed.
“It was a wonderful performance,” Clark said. “When I was in the military, it was about protesting, we never got an opportunity to see someone who appreciated you. It’s nice to know you are appreciated.”