McNeal Elementary students honor veterans with parade

During the Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's Veterans Day parade Nov. 8, the word of the day was "appreciation."

It was a theme repeated over and over as the students waved the banners and signs they made and applauded as approximately 30 veterans drove past the front of the school in a parade line.

"This is about having a greater respect and appreciation for living in the U.S. and our rights and freedoms," said third grade teacher Christina Mulligan, who helped organize the event with first grade teacher Angela Salas Gulbrandsen. "We have spent a week and a half integrating those lessons into the curriculum."

The lessons obviously hit home as the students were at a fever pitch throughout the event.

"Today has brought the community together," Salas Gulbrandsen said. "It is impactful."

Army Sgt. Matthew Neitzel, whose son Parker is a third grader at McNeal, was hoping it was impactful,

"Maybe the students will have a little more appreciation and realization of what it takes to get to the title of 'veteran,'" Neitzel said. "It does take us down a different path."

Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Mateer agreed.

"I hope the students get an appreciation for people who kept their country free," he said. "People who stepped up when asked."

The Lakewood Ranch High JROTC program supplied the color guard of senior Ben Hammond, freshman Jake Fellin, freshman Abigail Flanigan and freshman Ashon McBride for the event. 

Army Master Sgt. William Cassidy, a JROTC instructor at Lakewood Ranch High, said he hoped the elementary students would gain a better understanding and respect for the flag from the ceremony.

"I do think they understand the soldiers' sacrifice," he said of the McNeal students. "I also want them to understand the family sacrifice."

Lakewood Ranch High's Marching Mustangs added energy to the program by performing at the event.