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On Monday, November 10th, Saint Ann School held a Veteran’s Day Ceremony at morning assembly in front of the flagpole at the Parish Center.  Students proudly raised their flag in honor of veterans of the United States.  During the flag ceremony, students and guests learned what each fold of the flag means.  Student Council Vice President Sam McDonald acted as master of ceremonies.  Adison Blubaugh and Chandler Welsh, who are in 5th Grade, unfolded and raised the flag.  The flag ceremony brought special meaning to the recent gift of the flag to the school.  The flag was received from Lt. Commander Mike Stokes in thanks to the Saint Ann School community for their generous support through letters, gifts and prayers for soldiers serving in Iraq.  The flag was last flown over a palace in Iraq where he is stationed.
 
Honored veterans in attendance were Tom Pearl (former Navy Lieutenant), Lt. Colonel Pat Blubaugh, Jim Janson (retired Marine CWO-3), Sr. Chief. Rick Johnson, Steven Busby (former Army Sergeant), and Frank Youngblood (retired Air Force and Navy).  Also remembered were Lt. Commander Mike Stokes and Specialist Mike Rogers who are currently deployed to Iraq.
 
Tom Pearl talked to the students about the meaning and importance of service and the different ways military and civilians can be of service to their community.  Lt. Col. Pat Blubaugh gave an energetic speech regarding how he serves the United States as a Marine pilot.  Both guests were very engaging and their messages were well received by the enthusiastic students.