Hundreds turned out for the annual event
By Greg Angel
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 6:24 p.m.
Read more: Local, Gaylord, Veterans
GAYLORD -- As veterans departed Gaylord Middle School late Wednesday morning, it was a roar of appreciation that could be heard loud and clear.
"For us to come here and for these kids to do this for us, it means so much," said Larry Barnes, a local veteran and member of the American Legion Post 458 in Gaylord.
Hundreds of people packed into the Gaylord Middle School gymnasium Wednesday morning for the annual event that honors those who have put their lives on the line for our country.
"I think it's wonderful because they want to look up to a veteran," said George Ross, a Navy veteran who served during the 1940's. "The kids love seeing the uniform, I get a lot of respect from these kids today."
It was a spirited salute filled with speeches and songs.
"It gives people the chance to understand what war is like," said Jim Lacker, a Navy Armed Guard veteran. "Unfortunately they may be in the same spot some day."
There was also plenty of applause for the veterans. As a small token of appreciation, veterans were given hand-made knitted scarves. The day also provided the opportunity to pay honor to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to put their lives on the line.
"You're left speechless," said Kris Marsiglia. Her husband, Lt. Col. Joe Marsiglia, is currently stationed in Afghanistan on his fifth long term deployment. "The presentation these kids put on year after year continues to grow and it means much more to a veteran and their families than these kids will ever realize."
"It's a day I can look at my comrades and say we're here to tell a story," Barnes said. "If we don't pass the story onto the younger generations they won't know what it was like to keep freedom free in this country."
"They did some amazing things to keep us where we are today and we appreciate them," said Tyler Harwood, an 8th grader at Gaylord Middle School.
In an on going effort to support the troops, Gaylord Middle School is collecting everyday convenience items to send to Marsiglia's brigade in Afghanistan. For the next few weeks the school will be collecting an assortment of items including hard candies, music CD's, movie DVD's, and magazines. If you wish to contribute, donations may be dropped off at Gaylord Middle School, located at 600 East Fifth Street, Gaylord.
