[November 07, 2009]

Elementary school honors area veterans [Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky.]

(Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, KY) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Nov. 7--Charles Mallory, 84, of Owensboro stood in the hallway of West Louisville Elementary School on Friday morning with more than 200 other veterans waiting to walk into a packed gymnasium.

It was the school's eighth annual Veterans Day celebration -- likely the area's largest tribute to the military.

But it was Mallory's first time to attend.

"You kind of push these things behind you and not let them bother you, so I haven't been to it," the World War II veteran said.

Mallory fought with the 26th Infantry Division, 3rd Army in Europe from 1943-45. In addition to seeing soldiers fall in battle, he endured the freezing winter of 1944 that caused many of his comrades to lose limbs.

At the end of the school's spectacular, student-led show that kept the focus on sacrifice and service to country, Mallory was smiling.

"It's good to have someone recognize veterans like that," he said.

Marine veteran Jerrith Hodskins, 25, of Owensboro attended the event for the third time.

"It's amazing," he said. "I can't even describe how it feels to see that." Hodskins served three years with the 1st U.S. Marine Division 3-4, L. Company and was in the first wave of the Iraq invasion.

The program featured a student chorus that filled the stage and sang new and vintage patriotic songs under music teacher Gail Waller's direction. The students all were dressed in military attire -- some in actual uniforms.

They also shared moments in wartime history and introduced speakers.

Video clips and montages of soldiers appeared on two big screens.

David Rodgers, Molly Troutman and Brigit Payne also shared special music.

U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, who was booked as the main speaker, had to remain in Washington, D.C., because of a possible health reform vote, said Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain.

Cain, a Vietnam veteran, offered his personal tribute to his "brothers" in the military.

"My feelings for veterans are more than words from a speech," he said. "They are deep and profound." Cain talked about what makes a hero and introduced Specialist Trent Rosenblatt of Owensboro, who earned the Bronze Star Medal for heroism while serving in Iraq.

Col. Aaron "Tom" Barrier, commander of the 63rd Aviation Brigade, acknowledged other heroes -- those family members and others left to raise children and run households while others serve in the military.

The program's big finish came as a huge American flag was unfurled from the rafters and a barrage of balloons, streamers and confetti was released.

Teacher and event organizer Lois Kuegel was thrilled with this year's crowd.

"I'm not seeing some of the older veterans this year, and that's sad, but I see some new faces, and that's refreshing," Kuegel said.

When the event wrapped up Friday, the planning committee and others immediately started talking about how to make the event better and different next year.

"The children have the hardest jobs," Kuegel said. "They have to learn all the songs and their parts in the program." The focus on veterans is important for students, Kuegel said.

"If we give them a taste now, it will become part of them," she said.

The elementary school was decorated throughout in red, white and blue with reminders of local soldiers who died in combat and other wartime memorabilia.

Joy Campbell, 691-7299, jcampbell@messenger-inquirer.com To see more of the Messenger-Inquirer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.messenger-inquirer.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky.

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