SANFORD, NC - Stars and stripes lined the driveway to J. Glenn Edwards Elementary on the Thursday prior to the Veterans Day holiday. Smiling students waved American Flags and held signs showing their appreciation to the assembled veterans ready to march through the school’s first Veterans Day Parade.
“We felt a calling to do something truly special – a celebration that honors the sacrifices and bravery of our Veterans,” said J. Glenn Edwards Principal Emily Mize. “We proudly wear the honor of being a designated Purple Star School, recognized by the NC Department of Public Instruction for our unwavering commitment to our military connected families. For us, it isn’t just a title. It truly is a heartfelt promise that we will always strive to create systems and provide additional supports that uplift and empower those who serve our country.”
The parade included any student who had a family member currently serving in the military as well as veterans from the local community. They also asked any military members connected to J. Glenn Edwards, be they grandparents, aunts and uncles, to come and take part by walking with their students in the parade.
“It is so important for our school community that our military-connected children experience an overwhelming sense of belonging and love here at JGE,” explained Mize. “Our devoted military committee gathers regularly, driven by a passion and deep respect for our Veteran heroes. We understand just how precious moments like this parade are for military-connected kids, especially knowing that this may not be their last stop in elementary school.”
One Veteran, Edward Wagner, who served as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967-1972 was thrilled to get to walk with his two grandchildren and take part in today’s festivities. Mr. Wagner served for over two years consecutively in Vietnam, including his work as a Communications specialist during the Tet Offensive that saw enemy fighters unleash surprise attacks against military and civilian command and control centers in the south of Vietnam.
Corporal Wagner gleamed with pride when he talked about how special this moment with his grandchildren was. He explained, “It means a lot. It means an awful lot, because we didn’t get the recognition when we first got home. They discharged us at our different bases and we had to just work our way home. It just means a lot to be celebrated today with my grandkids.”
For Mize and her team, today’s festivities are just one more opportunity to help students understand the service and the sacrifices that military members and their families make each day for the community. “We hope that our children not only acknowledge the courageous individuals who have served in the United States military,” Mize said, “but also understand the significance of their sacrifices and honor the invaluable contributions they have made to our freedom and way of life.”
