Veterans Day was observed at two local ceremonies this year. The Elgin School celebrated the day on Nov. 9. The flag at the Patagonia Cemetery was raised to half staff on Nov. 11 as the Patagonia Minstrels played patriotic tunes.
Elgin School
On November 9, the Elgin School held their 26th annual Veterans Day Celebration in the school gym. The Crossroads Christian Academy students and teachers hiked down Elgin Road to join in the celebration.
All were greeted by Sgt. Elmer Lopez and Sgt. Cody Griffiths, maintenance instructors from Fort Huachuca, who presented a replica of one of the drones frequently heard but seldom seen in the Sky Islands area. A replica of the USS Tucson Submarine was also in the parking lot on a trailer for all to examine.
Each attendee was presented with a program as they entered the gym where large tables and chairs were set up for the brunch that followed the observance and award presentations.
After the posting of the colors by the USMC color guard and the singing of the national anthem by the school choir, Superintendent/Principal Mary Faley gave a short welcome. This was followed by two patriotic renditions from the elementary and middle school choir. Next, Mina Sanchez and Gracie Zerbel, Elgin School 8th grade students, introduced the guest speaker, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel
Anthony J. Fennell, who related the history and vision of the armed services, as well as stressing the importance of education.
Faley then presented awards to the essay and poster contest winners. The Kindergarten-1st grade winner was Cassidy Orona (1st grade). The 2nd -3rd grade winner was Atlas Bohm-Ragasa (2nd grade). The 4th-5th grade winner was Cora Pine (5th grade). The middle school recipient was Isobella Bruyn (8th grade), who read her essay to the public.
A recorded tribute to all veterans was followed by a poem read by Pastor Tom Moffett. A special choir presentation and invitation to the public to join in the singing of God Bless America followed. Ms. Kyndra Ortiz presented a special recognition and moment of silence for former Elgin teacher and Navy veteran, Angela Brown.
The program concluded with the playing of taps and the retiring of Colors, after which a brunch was served to guests at the ceremony.
Patagonia Cemetery
A cool, windy day greeted 28 attendees for the Veterans Day celebration at the picturesque, hilltop cemetery south of Patagonia. The Patagonia Minstrels played as the American Flag was raised. Those in attendance sang patriotic songs along with the Minstrels to honor America’s Veterans in the poignant ceremony as the flag rippled in the wind.