St. Clare of Assisi Hosts Minturn VFW Post 10721 Followed By a Veterans Day Program filled with music, education and tradition.

The students of St. Clare of Assisi and guests of St. Clare’s, including Vail Christian Academy and St. Clare parishioners and families welcomed Minturn VFW Post 10721 to their Veterans Day Program this week. Veterans Day, originally celebrated as Armistice Day commemorated the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I (major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice). Veteran’s Day is an annual holiday honoring our Veterans and those who served in our military including: the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in times of war or peace.

“The title Veteran must be earned. It is a title that speaks of courage and sacrifice in the face of danger. It is a title that speaks of love of country and of a belief in America’s values. We owe our Veterans our full support and our sincerest thanks.”

Veterans were welcomed to St. Clare of Assisi Catholic school as flags lined the walkway and welcome signs were proudly displayed in the entryway. 3rd graders greeted the Veterans and ushered them to a private lunch in their classroom. 

Fr. Irek Kuzmicki led the program in prayer, asking God to continue to bless our troops and America following the procession of the flags. 

Sister Mary Noel Pereira, RSM, and her 5th grade class welcomed keynote speaker, Patricia Hammon who served 4 years in the US Army Nurse Corps. She served 1 year in Vietnam at the 24th Evacuation Hospital in Long Binh, Vietnam in 1968 as head nurse of the triage-emergency center along with many other Veterans of VFW Post 10721. 

“Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic School is privileged to have this opportunity to honor you and all of the brave men and women who have served our country.”

St. Clare of Assisi’s Music Instructor, Mrs. Jean Di Lisio Wharton, put on a memorable musical performance filling the entire gym auditorium with smiles, laughter and tears. Children from several  grades and the St. Clare of Assisi school choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The Vail Christian Academy choir, led by J.D. Webster, honored the Veterans with “America, (My Country, ’Tis of Thee)” and “America the Beautiful.” It was an afternoon filled with community and patriotism. 

Students held a Q&A with the Veterans, from inquiries to their favorite foods, to travel, to what it means to be obedient in the military. The students learned about the freedoms passed onto us by those who have fought to keep our country free.

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School and Vail Christian Academy presented checks to Pat Hammon. The funds raised allow the VFW to continue to offer scholarships to graduating seniors.

A moment of silence was offered for our Veterans, followed by Taps played by Mr. Platt,  honoring our service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and concluded the patriotic assembly as the flag was retired.

The message leaving St. Clare of Assisi school was clear, call or visit a Veteran this weekend, and thank them. 

Thank you for your service to our country. We join the rest of the nation on Veterans Day in remembering the sacrifices of America’s Veterans and expressing our appreciation for your service. We honor you.

Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic School is privileged to have this opportunity year after year to honor all of the brave men and women who have served our country. Happy Veterans Day and God Bless America!