VETS: Salute to local schools

On behalf of Coeur d’Alene’s American Legion, Post 14, may I respectfully offer our heartfelt thanks to the exceptional, patriotic teachers, principals, and tenacious musical coordinators from: Hayden Meadows School, Atlas Elementary, Skyway Elementary and Coeur d’Alene High School, for their hard work in honoring veterans from our neighborhoods. We salute you. You amazed us by completing your mission in teaching 7- and 8-year-olds to sing so many songs, to one by one orate the history of America at the microphone, and to read the Declaration of Independence reminding us of how and why we began.

We were told to bring Kleenex, and we used it! Coeur d’Alene High School stunned us during full assembly in the gym. Have you ever sat in a quiet room with hundreds and hundreds of teenagers who gave you their full attention? The school choir dressed in gowns and suits, sang like angels with exquisite Acapellas. Behind our seats came the sounds of a powerful orchestra. I thought of the Hollywood Bowl. Outstanding. Thank you all for honoring your flag and the millions who have fought nearly 250 years for this nation called “America.”

TERRI O’ROURKE, CAPT., USAFRR

American Legion, Post 14

Coeur d’Alene