More than sixty local veterans took part in Hamilton School District’s Annual Veterans Day Drive-Thru Parade on November 11. Students from Silver Spring Intermediate School and Templeton Middle School lined the parade route waving flags, holding signs and cheering as veterans passed.
Veteran Ron Schanz lives in Sussex and loves participating in the parade every year. “I do it to honor my brotherhood of veterans for what they have done,” says Schanz. He says his favorite part is seeing the students. “The faces of the kids and their enthusiasm, especially when they respond with their shouts of ‘USA!’” explains Schanz.
“Watching our students cheer on the veterans, you could see the genuine admiration they held for each one of them,” says Templeton Middle School Principal Brad Hoffmann. “This moment was about more than applause. It was a way for our students to express appreciation and to learn about the true meaning of service and sacrifice. It’s inspiring to see how these interactions not only honor our veterans but also shape our students into thoughtful, grateful young citizens.”
“Our Veteran’s Day parade creates a wonderful opportunity for our students to reflect, remember, and honor those who have served our country,” says Silver Spring Intermediate School Principal Deanna Wellens. “With several veterans on our staff and several staff members that have children serving our country, this event creates an opportunity for personal stories and connections to be shared among our community.”
Templeton Middle School Band students also played patriotic music for the duration of the parade for veterans to enjoy from their vehicles. At the conclusion of the route, veterans were given handwritten cards made by students.
Members of Sussex Auxiliary Post donated 850 American flags for students to wave during the parade.