Veterans' Day

Recently, Westarea Elementary honored military veterans with a stirring program. Mrs. C. Davis, Westarea Teacher of the Year, welcomed the veterans, and Dr. Shevelle Goodwin, Fort Bragg School Liaison Officer, greeted everyone. Various groups of Westarea students showed their respect to the veterans by posting the colors, leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing the national anthem. Mr. Ricky Tucker, Retired US Army, led a stirring cadence in tribute to all those who have served. Ret. SFC Karen Knox, a Westarea fifth-grade teacher, introduced the speaker, Ret. SFC Howard Lattimore, the State Level Military Consultant for NCDPI. His speech reminded all present that freedom is not free. It is paid for by the hard work, sacrifices, and sometimes the very lives of military members and their families. Westarea Elementary Instructional Coach, Mrs. S. Wint-Carter, encouraged the veterans to continue their service by pouring into the lives of Westarea students, both academically and socially. Dr. Z. Backman, principal of Westarea Elementary, closed the program with remarks reiterating how Westarea honors all those who have served, especially those present.