Vets share memorabilia, stories with students
PENN TWP — Penn Christian Academy students on Friday honored veterans by listening to their stories, singing songs and thanking them for their military service.
More than 200 students at the assembly became a sea of red, white and blue shirts, and the school choir sang a medley of songs, honoring each branch of service.
Jonathan Smith, a parent, spoke about his four years in the Army. He signed up for the military when he was 19, doing two tours in Korea.
“The thing I appreciate about this school most is it's mission to raise up young leaders through establishing a Godly foundation in their lives,” he said.
“I love the fact that they recognize days like this ... that many seem to forget too easily.”
More than 30 veterans were present, and several of them set up tables with displays of their military memorabilia.
Arthur Carney of Lyndora brought his wool Navy uniform, foreign currency, dog tags, a grenade and other items. He served during the Vietnam War.
One student asked Carney what he would have to do if a grenade was thrown at him.
“You get as low to the ground as you can,” he told her.
In another classroom, Frank Franko, a World War II Navy veteran, spoke about his time on the U.S.S. Kaskaskia. He passed around a model of the ship, explaining it's purpose.“It was like a big gas station,” he told students.The ship held more than six million gallons of gas, fueling planes and boats in the middle of the ocean.After listening to them, students realized the sacrifices veterans have made.“They're fighting for our freedom,” said Tori Stevenson, 9.She said her cousin is serving in Afghanistan.“All those people served in our country, and we need to thank them,” said Grant Rochkind, 9.Penn Christian Academy serves students from preschool through sixth grade.
