Supt's On: Ceremonies were moving
By Gerald W. Henderson
Marion-Florence USD Superintendent
People who believe that the children and young people of today don't pay attention to or otherwise care about what is happening in the world should have attended one of the three special ceremonies in our schools on Sept. 11.
I first took part in the all-school assembly held in the gym at Marion Elementary, which sought to honor the policemen, firemen, emergency medical technicians, highway patrolmen, and sheriff's officers who make our lives safer every day.
As a part of the ceremony, music teacher Anita Hancock led the children in the singing of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." I was provided with a copy of the lyrics, and along with the other adults assembled, was invited to sing along. I did so until we reached the chorus. Hearing nearly 400 strong, young voices singing, "And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free," ended my singing.
What followed the song was one of the best lessons in patriotism I have ever witnessed. Marion's favorite daughter, Carla Stovall was introduced for the purpose of presenting certificates of appreciation to the public safety representatives assembled for the occasion.
Stovall began her presentation by congratulating the children on how well they sang "God Bless the USA."
She then asked, "Did any of you happen to look at any of the adults around you as you sang?"
"Yes!"
"What were they doing?"
"They were crying."
"Why do you suppose they were crying?"
"Because we sang good!"
"Because they were sad about the tall towers."
"Because they are proud to be Americans."
Again I was attacked by the lump in my throat. What a marvelous teacher our attorney general is.
At noon I ventured to the north lawn of Marion High School where the entire high school community had gathered around the flagpole. The event was organized by student leadership of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter of MHS.
The students sang patriotic songs including the National Anthem, and to background music provided by Gary Carlson, three students read original poetry. The poems read by Megan Whitaker, Misti Richmond, and Ashley Seacrest were personal reactions to 9-11 and were totally uplifting and hopeful.
The morning ended with the playing and singing of Lee Greenwood's song while a hundred or so red, white, and blue balloons were released.
I missed the middle school gathering, as it was at the same time as that of the high school. I am certain the spirit at MMS was the same as at the other two buildings.
On Wednesday I was proud to be associated with school-aged children, proud to live in this community, and "proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free."
