Reagan Elementary in Clovis continued its observance of Veterans Day on Thursday morning with an assembly honoring veterans connected to the school's families and staff. Each veteran was recognized by name during a program that brought together student writing, a poetry reading and song.
The gathering followed several weeks of classroom activities focused on Veterans Day. Students had read about the holiday, made arts and crafts and participated in an essay contest before welcoming veterans to the school. Their work also became part of the event, with student artwork lining the room where breakfast was served.
Bailey Ettner helped create the assembly, bringing a personal connection to its purpose. Her brother, Anthony Butterfield, also known as Tony, was among the Buchanan 8, a group of soldiers and Marines from Buchanan High School who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ettner said she wanted students to celebrate veterans and understand that heroes are part of their everyday lives.
During the program, a student read the poem "America's White Table." The reading described a table set for one as a symbol of those missing from the ranks, adding a moment of remembrance to the recognition of veterans attending the assembly.
Essay contest winner Harper Ely also read her work aloud. Her essay connected veterans' service with the ability to speak freely and stand up for what is right. She said she hoped her words would influence fellow students and help them understand the importance of voting, veterans' role in the country and their efforts to keep people safe.
Students closed the assembly by singing "You're a Grand Old Flag." Veterans and their families were then welcomed to a special breakfast immediately after the program, continuing the school's recognition beyond the assembly.
U.S. Army veteran Chris Brezman attended after his grandchildren invited him. He said the event came as a surprise and that he felt honored to be there. At the breakfast, he showed a drawing made by one of his grandchildren.
Brezman also appreciated the attention given to the occasion. He said teaching children about history and patriotism helps them understand the country's past and the connections that continue into its future.
Ettner hoped the experience would leave students with a lasting understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. She said recognizing those sacrifices should also encourage students to be good citizens and show respect for the people the school had gathered to honor.
