Grade-schoolers salute flag and country

Nearly 500 Eugene Field Elementary School children participated in a song-filled patriotic celebration Friday prior to Veterans Day weekend, an event that included an American Legion honor guard and an inspiring speech by retired National Guard Maj. Gen. Wayne Pierson of Maryville.

Pierson, who holds a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, gave a brief, high-energy talk during which he urged the children, who ranged in age from kindergarten to fourth grade, to "think about the sacrifices of the veterans who served in the past, and the sacrifices of the young people who are serving now."

He also told the youngsters that the loyalty they feel toward their school applies as well to their role as citizens of both Maryville and the United States.

"When you see that flag, always pay it respect," said the dress-uniformed Pierson, dramatically pointing to the red,white and blue national banner standing at one end of the school gymnasium.

Though Pierson's remarks held his young audience rapt, a children's choir made up of Eugene Field fourth-graders stole the show with remarkably powerful versions of The Star-Spangled Banner followed by a medley of patriotic songs and American folk tunes, such as "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "Yankee Doodle."

The event ended with the playing of taps by American Legion member and Vietnam veteran Robert Westfall and the retiring of the colors.