| By Rachel Brandes Moapa Valley Progress Published September 17, 2008
Students and staff of Ute V. Perkins Elementary School held a special morning assembly on Thursday, September 11, to recognize Patriot Day. Being the “Patriots” of Perkins was especially meaningful for students on this day. Librarian Mike Jack and Music/Art Teacher Mr. Dasal coordinated a memorable and touching morning event. Students and staff filled the multi-purpose room to begin their day. It was |
 This Perkins Elementary student shakes hands with local veteran, Bill Pickett of the American Legion Post 75 after a Patriot Day morning assembly held on September 11. |
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| a sea of red, white, and blue. The men and women of American Legion Post 75 were in attendance as well.
To start things off the entire school joined together for their school spirit chant which was followed by the Patriots March. The members of the American Legion marched their way to the front of the room and, with everyone standing at attention, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the Pledge, student Kennedy Postma asked everyone to join her in 30 seconds of silence. |
 Perkins Elementary School held a special ceremony in honor of Patriot Day on the morning of September 11, 2008. This student holds the American Flag as the entire school recites the Pledge of Allegiance. |
As the students sat the lights were dimmed and Mr. Jack played a slide presentation that he had put together. The slides showed photographs taken of the tragic events on the morning of September 11, 2001. Mr. Jack narrated each slide explaining the events that took place on that day.
Following the slide show Principal Ken Paul spoke to the children about heroes and how thankful we should be for those who fight for our freedom. Mr. Paul recognized the Veterans in attendance and told the kids “we are all Patriots when we are standing together”. The kids gave a round of applause to the men and women of the American Legion to show their thanks. The students, staff and guests then sang “American The Beautiful”. Veterans opened the floor to answer a few questions from the kids. These included subjects like how long the veterans had served and in what conflict they had fought. Before the children filed into their classrooms they had the opportunity to shake hands with each of the local Veterans in attendance. |
