King’s Way Christian honors veterans in advance of holiday

Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord traveled to Vancouver to present the colors at the Veterans Day ceremony held at King’s Way Christian Schools on Wednesday. Photo by Paul Valencia

There is no school on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, so students and staff recognized and honored veterans at King’s Way Christian Schools in a couple of ceremonies Wednesday

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

King’s Way Christian Schools kicked off Veterans Day activities Wednesday, and it was very much appreciated by those who served who were in attendance at one of two ceremonies.

Veterans representing all branches of the military were recognized, first at an event for the younger students on the K-12 campus, and then a second event that was held for middle and high schoolers.

Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord presented the colors, while students from the band, the choir, and the drama department from King’s Way Christian performed in front of veterans as well as Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle.

“I love hearing the children’s voices as they talked to us about what it means to them,” McEnerny-Ogle said.

Students presented the flags of the military branches as the King’s Way Christian band performed the marches of each branch at Wednesday’s ceremony to honor veterans. Photo by Paul Valencia

Students from the drama department gave narratives on the origin of Veterans Day, the meaning of the holiday and its symbols. Veterans Day is Monday, Nov. 11. There is no school that day at King’s Way Christian, so the school opted for the ceremony to be held this week.

McEnerny-Ogle noted that during the first ceremony Wednesday, someone asked “What’s a veteran?”

A second-grader proudly said a veteran is “someone who served in the military,” the mayor said. Then the other children screamed their approval, the mayor explained.

The band played the marches of each branch, and veterans were asked to stand when they heard their song. The band also performed “My Country Tis of Thee” with all in attendance encouraged to sing.

Later, the choir performed God Bless the USA. In the middle of the song, the Mayor stood and encouraged all others to stand with her.

The event opened and closed with a prayer.

“Lord, we ask that You will continue to make America a land of freedom, and that we would be a nation that once again stands for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Amen.”

Students created artwork to welcome veterans at King’s Way Christian Schools. Photo by Paul Valencia

Dr. Jason Tindol, the superintendent of King’s Way Christian Schools, is the son of an Army veteran. Tindol grew up at Fort Bragg, N.C., as well as in Germany and in Italy. He said he wants to ensure his students appreciate the holiday.

“It’s really important not just to King’s Way, but to our city, our state, and our country. These are people who sacrificed,” Tindol said. “They are sacrificing their time. Many of these people end up living away from their family. Many of these people end up putting their lives on the line for things they may believe in, but even sometimes things they don’t believe in.

“When you’re willing to sacrifice for others, in our mind at King’s Way, that’s one of the highest callings.”

There was a reception after the ceremonies. Student artwork welcomed veterans, and each veteran received a wooden King’s Way Christian coin, and a written prayer thanking them for their service.

“We just want to make sure that we not just do it for the sake of tradition, but to do it for the sake of honoring those people who deserve our honor,” Tindol said.