BRANDENBURG, KY
By Mark Burnett

Students gathered around the new flagpole at Meade County Christian School Wednesday, Nov. 11, to honor the men and women whose service gives Veterans Day its meaning. Around its low stone enclosure, children stood beside veterans and watched as familiar expressions of patriotism became a lesson they could see at close range.

Journey Church of Brandenburg operates the school. Church elders Mark Burnett, Susan Stewart and Jason Wolfe attended the celebration, along with Executive Pastor Ryan Franks.

Anthony Settle opened the outdoor celebration by asking for a round of applause for the veterans. His message to the students was simple: Keep saying thank you long after the ceremony ends. When they see a veteran in public, he encouraged them to offer a handshake and express their appreciation.

That gratitude also had a lasting place in the day’s program. Larry Smith donated the school’s flagpole and new flags, giving students a reminder of military service each time they arrive at school.

At Mr. Settle’s count of three, the children joined together to thank Smith. A plaque beside the flagpole’s enclosure explained the purpose of the gift:

“May this flag wave as a lasting tribute to the service members who defended our nation.”

The inscription also thanks veterans for their service, courage and sacrifice and names Smith as the donor.

Applause gave way to silence as the old American flag came down. Veterans raised their hands in salute while students watched from around the flagpole. Those handling the flag supported the fabric between them, then worked together to fold it carefully.

The ceremony also included a flag inspection and the presentation of a folded flag, giving the children a close view of the care and respect shown to the flag.

A new American flag was raised as “The Star-Spangled Banner” played.

Mr. Settle asked those gathered to bow their heads for a moment of silence in remembrance of service members who died in war, along with the families and fellow service members who carry those losses.

He told the students he hoped the flagpole would become a daily reminder of those who served and the freedoms their service helped protect. Each arrival at school, and each trip past the flag, would offer another opportunity to remember.

Meade County Christian School administrator Tristan Franks then brought the veterans into a familiar part of the students’ day: their morning pledges and prayer.

The children led pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag and the Bible. Veterans were invited toward the center of the gathering, and students extended their hands toward them as a student led a prayer of thanks, asking for protection and guidance for the veterans and the nation.

Mrs. Franks welcomed the veterans inside for breakfast with the students, offering the children a chance to ask questions and get to know the people they had just honored.

Another round of applause closed the outdoor program. The morning’s invitation to say thank you would continue beyond the ceremony, in conversations over breakfast and in the daily reminder standing outside the school.