The Floyd Lewis Foundation mission statement is:
Providing community support with emphasis on patriotism, compassion, and furthering education. Therefore, for the past six years it has been our privilege to partner with Burlington Elementary School students and staff as they honor our veterans in the annual Veterans Day program.
The 2023 program “Honoring All Who Served” was presented to an overflowing capacity crowd on Friday, November 10th.
The festivities began with the presentation of the colors by Gregory Watts. Kindergarteners led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and followed by the First Graders’ Veterans Cheer. Music educator Eric Aspegren spent many hours finding musical numbers, teaching, practicing, and perfecting the songs presented by grades two – four. Those songs included:
2nd grade – “Veterans’ March”, 3rd grade – “Veterans We’re So Proud of You”, and 4th grade – “How Do You Tell a Veteran Thank You?”.
The BHS Band under the direction of Mr. Bostic provided patriotic music. They performed the National Anthem, Armed Forces on Parade, and Taps. The Fourth Graders continued the tradition begun by fourth grade teacher Lisa Johnson Kuhlmann many years ago as they performed The Empty Chair Ceremony honoring those from each branch who gave all.
Principal Darla Long was the program emcee. Mrs. Kathy Freeman prepared the gym with patriotic decor including “The Table of Honor” reserved to honor our brave and selfless American military members who have perished on the battlefield, those who have not been returned to us after being taken prisoner on foreign soil, and for those who went missing and have not found their way back home.
At the conclusion of the program the veterans were invited to stay and visit while partaking in refreshments provided by the Floyd Lewis Foundation. The morning provided a history lesson for the students, patriotic music and performances, and comradery for the veterans and their families.