Patriotism Shines At Breakfast

PLANT CITY - More than 100 veterans and family members were treated to breakfast and a patriotic ceremony at a military tribute presented by Knight Elementary School students.

The Veterans Day-inspired ceremony included songs and verses performed by the school's fourth-grade students. This year's program was Nov. 9 at American Legion Post 26 at 2207 W. Baker St. because of renovations at the campus at 4815 N. Keene Road.

The annual program, in its seventh year, returns to the school in 2008.

Knights Principal Linda Bailey thanked the Legionnaires, saying, "the members of the post really stepped up and helped us out."

The buffet breakfast was preceded by a musical introduction from the school's music specialist, Jonathan Gautier.

The two-hour program included a presentation of the colors by the Junior ROTC unit from Plant City High School, the pledge of allegiance, a singing of the national anthem and a tribute song, "For Freedom," sung to the veterans by fifth-grade teacher Dale Hawke.

Fifth-grader Megan Shulmister presented an original composition of "Thank You, Veteran." That was followed by comments from the guest speaker, Navy Capt. Terry Washburn. Washburn, a 40-year Navy veteran, was commander at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He now travels between a base in Miami and MacDill Air Force Base.

"We appreciate Capt. Washburn taking the time to be with us," Bailey said. "His support for veterans, our school and the American Legion was much appreciated."

The Knights Elementary-sponsored program was one of many at Plant City area schools in honor of Veterans Day. The local ceremonies included a band concert, essay contest and presentation of the flag, the Hillsborough County School District reported. District spokeswoman Linda Cobbe said in an e-mail she's sure every school in the county "had some kind of remembrance for such an important occasion."

The Knights Elementary program was "A Salute To Veterans," staged by the fourth-grade class.

Fourth-grade teachers Heather Bianchi, Suzanne Johnson, Anita Kollinger, Chris Lay, Cecile Longfellow, Nikki Plate, Christy O'Connor and Jaclyn Roig led 123 students into the hall. They stood along three rows of bleachers, participating enthusiastically in patriotic songs and recitals of speeches and documents that are part of American history.

"Patriotism is an important part of our curriculum at Knights Elementary," Bailey said. "We not only teach our students the pledge of allegiance, we break it down into individual words and phrase. That way they know what the words allegiance, flag, country, nation, under God, indivisible, liberty and justice actually mean."

Veterans in the audience, including former Navy aviation chief John Burvkas and his wife, former Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Justine Burvkas, said they appreciated the salute by the school. The couple have attended each of the school's veterans programs since moving from Tolland, Conn., to the Country Meadows community north of Plant City in 1983, Justine Burvkas said.

"The staff there does all of us, veterans and civilians, an honor by teaching patriotism in the school," she said. "The program is stirring and emotional. The effort put in by the teachers must be commended. This program shows that the future of this country can be left in good hands."

Bailey said her school has a special feel for teaching patriotism in the classroom.

"We don't do this show as much for the adults as we do for the children," the principal said. "Every American school needs to pay attention to the teaching of American history and the concept of patriotism. This program means a lot to us."

American Legion Vice Commander Tom Gill was pleased.

"What a wonderful program Knights Elementary puts on each year. Unfortunately, it seems we are allowing patriotism to fade in our homes and in our schools. Knights Elementary is the exception. If everybody would stop and think about it, we should all be patriots," he said.

John Burvkas agrees.

"The students and the veterans shared an experience today they will never forget," he said. "It is refreshing to see young people who appreciate the veteran as they do."