Catholic school honors vets

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School students in grades 2-5 wrote letters to The Last Frontier Honor Flight Veterans who traveled to Washington DC. During their flight, “Mail Call” was shouted out and Veterans received their letters. Many Veterans have answered their letters with gratitude for having their named called during mail call on their flight.

One Korean War Veteran, Mr. Ken Lowney wrote, “it brought warm comfort knowing the future of our country is in the capable hands of young people like you. Thank you so very much for caring.” He also thanked the students by bringing ice cream for them.

This past Veterans Day, OLV honored Valley Veterans with a special Mass and Tribute at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with over 140 in attendance. The Wasilla High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard led with posting of the colors while OLV students and those in attendance sang the National Anthem and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. During the Mass students read the names of all the major wars with the total number of soldiers who served, were wounded and died. Patriotic songs were sung during the Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Mark Stronach. 7th grade students Sam Snively and Laurel Cain recited the poem “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae.

A reception table followed where OLV parents served the Veterans yogurt parfaits, fruit and pastries. Tables were adorned with vases filled with poppies, dog tags and flags. An additional student tribute to our Veterans will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2015, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day at the American Legion Post #35 at 3:00pm. The OLV students honored our Veterans with songs and prayers.

Joyce Lund is principal and a teacher at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School.