Children salute veterans on Veterans Day

The third-graders of Lincoln-McKinley Primary School saluted 19 veterans Friday morning in a packed Ponderosa Dining Room at Northern Montana Care Center, where they sang four songs, including "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America."

"Today we honor all our veterans who placed their lives on the line of duty," veteran and hospital physician assistant Dale Herd told the crowd. "Veterans Day isn't just for vets, but for all Americans."

Retired Navy chaplain and local pastor John Chapman, dressed in Navy regalia, passed out thank-you certificates, as Activities Coordinator Ila McClenahan called out each of the veterans' names in a room packed with friends and family members of veterans, as well residents, staff and parents of the estimated 140 students.

After Herd gave the gratitude tribute, Chapman prayed, thanking God "for the freedom we enjoy because of these veterans."

McClenahan said the annual tribute has been happening for as long as she can remember, about 17 years. Lincoln-McKinley Principal Holly Bitz said the tribute has always been sung by the third-graders of Lincoln-McKinley. Bitz confirmed that, yes, the students had memorized the songs.

After the Veterans Day tribute ended, each child shook veterans' hands while filing out.

Kaylee, 9, was one of those students.

"Thank you," she said, to the veteran whose hand she'd just shaken.

Retired National Guardsman Kermit Loftus said he enjoyed the salute. He was asked what his favorite part was.

"Hearing the children sing," he said.