News - Military

Monday, Nov. 09, 2009

Gautier High students treat about 400 vets to breakfast

Veterans from all branches of service took center stage Monday during the 10th annual Veterans Breakfast at Gautier High School.

Nearly 400 veterans who served in war and peacetime, from World War II to Operation Enduring Freedom, and their spouses attended the ceremonies.

Mitch Ellerby, a local Vietnam veteran and chief of staff for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said the connection between the students and veterans has grown over the years.

“This is the most dynamic, structured veterans program in the county,” he said.

“There is a workable partnership between the students, faculty and veterans, and these kids want to know about veterans. They just get it.”

Veterans were greeted by a long line of students, and American flags lined the driveway into the school to welcome their guests.

Red roses were given to each veteran and spouse before breakfast, with all the trimmings, was served.

The GHS choral students performed the National Anthem and the Armed Forces songs, and a full student body waved flags at the veterans as they walked into the ceremony. One of the highlights was the student salute to veterans during taps.

At the breakfast and ceremony, veterans saluted veterans, making the event emotional for some.

“I came all the way from West Texas to attend this event today because things like this are an antidote to war,” said George Fore, a submarine Veteran from the Cold War.

“I cannot imagine that kids this age actually understand what a veteran has done. You can look in their eyes and know they understand. It brings tears to your eyes.”

Students from all school organizations participated in planning the event.

The annual breakfast started in 1999 by Susie Bounds, a former U.S. history teacher at the school.

She said if students could see firsthand what and who they were reading about, they could truly embrace history and have a deeper understanding about the sacrifices made.

“It is important that our veterans know we want to do something for them after everything they sacrificed for us,” said Courtney May, a senior at GHS. “I saw some veterans in tears during the ceremony and it makes me think they know we appreciate them.”

Joshua Johnson also is a senior this year at GHS and said talking with veterans and being a member of the Navy JROTC program helps him see how the process works.

“I hear and understand what these veterans went through for us.”

U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor was the guest speaker.

“No matter who served or where they served, these veterans all sacrificed for us,” said Taylor.