Metro Christian Students Thank 'America's Heroes' On Veterans Day

Rick Wells, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- People all across the country will honor veterans tomorrow, but Metro Christian Academy got a jump on Veterans Day with its 9th annual program "God Bless America's Heroes."

It was a chance for elementary students to begin to learn the important lessons about honoring veterans and patriotism.

To honor veterans at Metro Christian Academy, elementary students sang patriotic songs, read essays they had written and recited poetry as a way of saying thanks.

Pre-school teacher Carol Kelley started the program nine years ago.

"After 9/11 we were just devastated, I teach the 4 year olds and we're just little, but we thought what could we do?" she said.

They could have a program, and that's how this all started.

About three dozen Veterans were serenaded and saluted by several hundred students. Each of the veterans got a chance to introduce himself say who invited him.

"I'm here for my great granddaughter Siena Lamb," one veteran said.

Mrs. Kelley told me early on there were some skeptics who thought a patriotic program featuring 4-year-old students.

"They may not get the whole message yet, but they will," said program founder and teacher Carol Kelley.

A surprise guest at the program was Senator Jim Inhofe who told the kids maintaining our country's way of life required sacrifice.

"This is the price of freedom, it's not free. That's what I came to share with you," Senator Inhofe said.

After the formal part of the program everyone headed for the football field where it was all eyes on the

A couple of World War Two era planes made several passes over the field, and everybody loved it.

"I want these children when they see someone in uniform to say thank you," Kelley said.

I think they have.

The patriotic program extends beyond Veterans Day. The students will also write letters to military people currently on active duty thanking them for the sacrifices they are making.