Oconee County Middle School Honors Veterans

students and faculty paid tribute to veterans of the U.S. military on Friday, filling a gymnasium with the Stars and Stripes, music and song.

The ceremony is the school's seventh, held specifically on Veterans Day to recognize local veterans and teach students about the sacrifices both men and women have made over the years preserving freedom and protecting the homeland, assistant principal John Barnette said.

“It's just something we think gives our students a better understanding and awareness of our country and the freedoms that we have,” Barnette said.

The Oconee County Middle school band opened the ceremony with “My Country 'Tis of Thee,” while boy scouts from Troop 49 presented the American flag.

One-by-one students came up to the center of the gymnasium to decorate a table with a white cloth, red rose, silverware and an empty chair in remembrance of soldiers, who for one reason or another, never came home to their families.

Honored Speaker Lt. Col. Todd Perkins gave a speech directed at students, asking them to think about the cost of freedom and to not take their rights as Americans for granted.

“Freedom is our way of life. It is an heirloom that's been past on to generations and generations, and it's ours to protect and cultivate as Americans,” Perkins said. “For students here today, at your age, it's simply imperative that you enjoy the freedoms this country offers and should take every opportunity to thank the veterans who have safeguarded our way of life.”

Perkins began his journey into military life shortly after joining the JROTC in high school. He joined the Florida Army National Guard in 1989, and was deployed overseas twice - once to Kuwait in 2005 and to Iraq in 2007. He recently completed a three-year active duty assignment with the US Army Forces Command Headquarters at Ft. McPherson, serving as the Deputy Chief of Future Operations.

Perkins is currently assigned to the Georgia Army National Guard's 648th Manuever Enhancement Brigade as a Fire Support Coordinator and in December, his unit will be deployed to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

Three students gave speeches honoring service men and women past and present for the freedoms they enjoy.

Not every country gives its citizens as many opportunities - like a right to an education - as the United States, student Mac Escalante said.

“We are lucky we can go to school and learn as much as we can,” said  Escalante, whose parents emigrated from the Philippines to the United States 15 years ago in pursuit of a better life. “I will work hard and study hard in middle school, high school and college, and I'm proud because I know this country will help you and me become successful in our lives.”