DEMOREST — Wilbanks Middle School students, staff and guests gathered Wednesday morning to honor the nation’s veterans with a program of gratitude and reflection.
The ceremony, postponed from Tuesday because of bad weather, featured music, student readings and remarks recognizing those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Principal Chris Chitwood opened the event by welcoming veterans and community leaders, including members of the Habersham County Board of Education and Superintendent Patrick Franklin.
“We are so honored to have each of you here today as we come together to recognize and celebrate the men and women who have served our country with courage, sacrifice and pride,” Chitwood said. “Your service and dedication have protected the freedoms that we enjoy every single day. We are truly grateful for your commitment and your example of strength and selflessness.”
Student-led program
Among the highlights of the program was an essay read by eighth grader Khamla Laosalie,
who reflected on the virtues that define a veteran — valor, selfless service and honor.
“The life of a veteran is composed of the elements of valor, selfless service and honor, elements that no ordinary person can obtain all together,” Laosalie said. “Therefore, they should be shown great respect and gratitude, which is why today we say thank you. Thank you for putting up a fight. Thank you for showing great integrity. Thank you for your great sacrifice.”
Performances by the Wilbanks Middle School Chorus included patriotic selections such as “Veterans Day Hallelujah,” “Til the Last Shot’s Fired” and “America the Beautiful.” The program also featured a moment of silence and a special recognition of attending service members.
Habersham County School Superintendent Patrick Franklin praised the program, saying it captured the community’s enduring patriotism.
“Patriotism is alive and well in our county,” Franklin said. “Our students need this. Our veterans need it. We need it as adults in our nation today. I’m so excited for the program — the veterans we had here, the emotion we saw, the patriotism in our county.”
Veterans Made Proud
Following the ceremony, U.S. Army veteran Dedrick Trimiar, a 1997 Habersham Central High School graduate who served in Wiesbaden, Germany, and was deployed to Albania and Kosovo, said he was proud to see students honoring those who served.
“I think it’s great,” Trimiar said. “It’s always great to come back and serve my community.”
Wilbanks Middle School is named in honor of Hilliard A. Wilbanks, a U.S. Air Force captain from Habersham County who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War. Wilbanks died in 1967 while protecting South Vietnamese ground troops from enemy fire.
Also in attendance was U.S. Air Force veteran Bill McAllister, an airplane mechanic in Vietnam who served with Capt. Wilbanks. McAllister said he appreciates how the county continues to celebrate its veterans.
“We think it’s a great thing,” McAllister said. “We love it, and the kids do an excellent job.”
Chitwood said the event, organized by students and faculty, served as “a tribute to our veterans through music, readings and reflection.”
