JAMES HELMBURG, who has been serving his community and country in the Kentucky Army National Guard for over 24 years, attended the Veterans Day program at Huntertown Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 11. His 8-year-old son Avis is a student at Huntertown. Helmburg is pictured in middle. (Photo by Bob Vlach)
A LARGE GROUP OF VETERANS attended the Veterans Day program at Southside Elementary on Wednesday, Nov. 11. (Photo by Bob Vlach)
By Bob Vlach
Woodford Sun Staff
Schools across Woodford County honored military veterans for their service and sacrifices during Veterans Day programs on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Being able to experience his 8-year-old son Avis and other students at Huntertown Elementary School honoring him and other veterans was very meaningful to Sgt. First Class James Helmburg.
Helmburg said he joined the Kentucky Army National Guard so he could further his education, but the National Guard has given him much more than that.
“It’s given me a job. It’s given me everything. And being able to give back to your community and to your country is just so fulfilling,” said Helmburg, who has served in the National Guard for over 24 years – not only stateside during natural disasters, but in Afghanistan for a year.
The Veterans Day program at Simmons Elementary School was an opportunity for 8-year-old Dezmond Shands to honor his grandfather Maurice Shands, who served in the Marines for 10 years.
Serving his country was an opportunity for Shands “to try to make the world a better place … serve this country and make a difference in my lifetime,” he said.
The Veterans Day programs at Huntertown, Southside and Simmons elementary schools on Wednesday morning began with the presentation of the colors by Cub Scouts before the National Anthem.
School choirs performed patriotic songs, and the service of veterans in every branch of the military was recognized at the programs.
Huntertown’s program began with Principal Ryan Wilson telling students the school’s Veterans Day program was an opportunity “to honor the brave men and women who serve our country,” and also show them how grateful we are for their service and sacrifice – “and protecting the freedoms we enjoy every single day.”