Hartley Veterans Day program 2022

The Hartley Elementary Veterans Day program began with a parade: All veterans and their family members in attendance were invited to follow behind the VFW Color Guard as they marched the halls, where Hartley students and staff waited with their hands on their hearts. After the parade, the school gathered in the gym. The program was directed by a group of student speakers from third grade, led by music teacher David Schmitt. The students volunteered on a first-come, first-served basis, and Schmitt reminded them that by volunteering to speak they were making a commitment to be a part of the program. Nineteen students spoke a few lines each as they introduced each part of the program and gave a short history of Veterans Day. The kindergarten classes led the pledge of allegiance, and the second- and third-grade classes led the national anthem. First, second, and third grades performed “My Country Tis of Thee.” A slideshow of veterans in the community of Hartley families was presented; veterans’ pictures were shown as the anthems of their respective branches were played. After the recognition of the veterans in the room, the second and third graders performed the song “One Nation” by Teresa Jennings to close the program.