Letter To The Editor: Remember Our Veterans

Reflecting back on the day, I just have to tell you how moved I was at the assembly this morning.  I have been to many Veteran's Day Assembly's in the last 15 years.  This was the most inspiring, important and inclusive I have ever seen.  Staff Sergeant Scott Barnes was an exceptional speaker and role model.  We have known each other since Cameron and Michael were in kindergarten and this was a side of him I've only had a glimpse of.  As a Dad, a Vet and Community Member, he shared the true meaning of service to our middle schoolers. 

Watching 1,200 kids stand, learn to respectfully salute, be silent when he told them how enlisted men & women respond to their commanding officer, and listen with rapt attention was absolutely stunning.  His sharing of his "story" really connected with the students.  When he told how he attended the "HR Ceremonies" every day during his recent deployment, most adults I saw were in tears. 

He told us, "In the business world, HR means Human Resources."  His recalling the revelation as he participated the first day watching the casket respectfully draped with the American Flag as the body of another service man or woman was sent home that "HR" stood for Human Remains will never leave our minds.  Experiencing all those hundreds of children learning the "HR" salute, on their feet, in contrast to the first snappy salute was stunning. 

The choir, orchestra and band added to the reverent and respectful observance of what Veteran's Day is all about.  Those kids paid attention, and have a true understanding of what it means to serve this country we call home. 

Thank you for such a meaningful, rich time of educating this generation, who will be the next called to serve our country.  I am forever changed by today's annual assembly.

Marcie Palmer

Renton