Ganado schools honor veterans

    On Veterans Day, Ganado ISD and Elementary music teach Melissa Barrow put together and hosted a program honoring, celebrating and thanking veterans for their service. Ganado fourth and fifth graders sang their hearts out to well-known patriotic tunes, even including a bit of sign language.
    Barrow said the children had been practicing since the end of September, learning one song at a time.
    “Children today are quick visual learners,” she said. “We watched a video to learn the signs for ‘You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag,’ and in about two days we had it down.”
    Barrow  added she enjoyed watching her students put their best effort into the performance.
    “This particular program is important on many levels, it teaches about our history, culture, and patriotism. Patriotism is linked to our emotions and music can convey those feelings better than words,” she said.
    The Ganado high school band was also there playing tunes for the program, under the direction of Joe Barrow. Guest speaker Master Sergeant Kristi Clingingsmith Rogers shared her memories and thoughts on Veterans Day. The program ended with a slideshow prepared by senior Lauren Gresham that was filled with pictures of family members and their veterans.
    Ganado juniors and seniors hosted a breakfast reception for veterans before the program. Boy Scout Troop 135 were present to bring in and out the flags.
    Melissa said her favorite part of the program was when the children were singing the Military Service Parade songs as the band played.
    “It’s a very exciting moment to watch all those ladies and gentleman march in as the sweet voices of children proudly sang each song,” she said.
    She said her classroom quote this year is from Heinrich Hein, ‘Where words leave off music begins,’ which appropriately fit the mood in the school auditorium that morning.