On Thursday, November 10th Challenger K8 School of Math and Science held their annual Veterans Day Concert. The performance was a joint venture between the middle school band and the chorus, which is comprised of 4th-8th grade students. Music teacher Richard Gomez and band director Michelle McCarthy did a great job of putting this show together. Gomez himself is a Veteran of the Navy and enthusiastic about getting children to have good role models. He explains “Athletes are entertainers, but Veterans are heroes.”
After an inspiring introduction by Gomez, the Challenger band and chorus performed the National Anthem and Challenger school song. Next was a video presentation about the military and how we need to demonstrate respect for them. The video also highlighted examples of how people’s lives have been shaped by veterans as well as a brief history of Veteran’s Day. Then Gomez recognized all the Veterans in attendance by calling their names one by one and saying “Thank You” to each one individually. I was blown away by how many veterans were in attendance- The entire process took over 10 minutes. Every branch of the military was represented.
The event continued with stellar performances by both the band and chorus. Challenger is full of incredibly talented students and teachers. It was obvious how much time and effort went into getting these kids ready to perform. They sounded professional and looked like they were putting their heart and soul into the performance. I got goosebumps during “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and when I looked over at the Army Veteran next to me, he had tears in his eyes.
One of the most touching moments was when the chorus sang a medley of all the armed services anthems. Each veteran in the room stood proudly and was recognized again during each their branch’s anthem. To sum up this annual performance at Challenger, Gomez says that it’s all about respect. He’s trying to instill in the children that “If you don’t give respect in life, you’re not going to get respect.”
To every man and woman who has taken up arms for our country, we respect you and honor the sacrifices you and your family have made. Thank you for all that you have done.