Diboll ISD students pay tribute to veterans Friday

A TRIBUTE TO VETERANS - Flag bearer, Cub Scout Daylon Russell, leads veterans into the gymnasium at Temple Elementary in Diboll during a program to honor the veterans of the community. Temple Elementary holds the program annually to allow students to realize the lives behind the sacrifices made to uphold the freedom that we all enjoy. (Photo by Billy Longino)

Veterans were escorted into the Temple Elementary School auditorium with flag bearer Daylon Russell and escorts Daniel Reyes and Samuel Scott leading the way through the rows of U. S. Flags lining the path. As the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” echoed throughout the great hall, the veterans took their seats, the Temple Elementary choir, under the direction of Ms. Kim Vann, entertained the audience with a music selection.

The large crowd on hand for the tribute were welcomed by Lisa Jeffrey, Temple Elementary Principal, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Diana Diosdado and the National Anthem performed on the flute by Ms. Vann.

Mr. Leonard Robison, a former member of the U. S. Air Force who served in Vietnam, presented “Why Veteran's Day is Important” which was followed by the presentation of the branch flags carried by Chance Maddox, Dwain Powell, Josh Sims, Joey Caldera and Brandon Ponce.

The honored guests, 100 military veterans were introduced to those in attendance and the program continued with a tribute to the soldiers in Iraq, Taps, performed by Justin Barkley and a choir selection “We Remember”, a tribute to the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York.

The program came to a close with the singing of “All American me and You” and “God Bless America” by the choir, closing remarks by Principal Jeffrey and “God Bless the USA” performed by Terri Gray, Temple Elementary Assistant Principal.

Other members of the student body assisting in the presentation were Marco Rosales, Aaron Bess, Felix Guillen, Leo Rodriguez, Sayid Garcia, Jacob Ward, Fil Escobedo, Jessie Herada, Angel Rosales, Lorenzo Romero, Raul Hinojosa and Antonio Encarnacion.