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GoogleNone of the three high school bands will participate. Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray told Bedford County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday that the decision was left up to the individual school principals, but that it was difficult to field a band for the parade due to some band members having commitments to Wednesday night church services. Gray said the school system seldom schedules any kind of activity on Wednesday nights.
Bedford County Veterans Service Officer Gordon Warren did not appear completely happy with this explanation.
"We are going to have a parade tomorrow night, with or without the bands," said Warren. He said that as he spoke to one of the principals on the telephone about the situation, a World War II veteran was sitting in his office and overheard Warren's end of the conversation.
"I was in a foxhole many, many Wednesday nights," Warren quoted the World War II veteran as saying.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was chosen to mark the ending of World War I. Germany signed the Armistice at 11:11 on November 11 (11/11), 1918.
The name was changed from "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day" in 1954, to reflect that the holiday honors all veterans. There is no apostrophe in the formal name of the holiday.
This year's observance comes as local National Guard troops prepare to head to Iraq.
The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee National Guard, which includes the guard troops based in Shelbyville and Lewisburg, just completed three weeks of annual training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and will return there on or about Dec. 5 to begin mobilization training. The unit will train for two months at Camp Shelby before its scheduled deployment.
More than 3,300 soldiers from Kingsport in East Tennessee to Henderson in West Tennessee make up the 278th.
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That is sure a sign of the times. We cannot give up one Wednesday night at church to honor the men and women that have served and died to keep all of us free to be able to go to church on Wednesdays. What a shame.
Community High School doesn't have a marching band this year. Mr. Givens chose to have the band focus on their concert music instead.
They are really fabulous and if given the chance, everyone should try and attend one of their concerts. They usually perform once a month.
It is a shame about the parade though. I can't imagine a parade without marching bands. I can't speak for the other schools but I know this is the reason Community won't be there.
This is an encouragement to me. I am proud of our veterans,but even more proud to live in a community that understands God first man second.The Parade organizers should have the same attitude.That man in the fox hole on Wednesday nights was probably doing a lot of praying and I am sure would have rather been in church. Man should never desire to be honored before God. Thank you Veterans for your service Ensuring our Freedom of Religion that Americans can Worship God as they should even on Wednesday.
This truly saddens me. Especially since you could proably count on one hand, the number of band members who will actually attend church services tonight.
reason,
You are correct in that church is a place for worshipping God. Most churches have services Wed. night, Sunday, and Sunday night.
You don't have to attend church everytime the door is open to know your place and relationship with God. How many veterans do you think had the opportunity to attend services? Are you saying they honored their country over or more than they did God?
Where in the Bible does it say to remember Wednesday Night and keep it holy?
so why not have some church choirs in the parade?
Why not have the parade earlier??
Why does everything have to controversial?
God or Veterans??
Why can't we have both because I can guarantee our servicemen are praying and I can guarantee the churches are praying for our service(wo)men
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
I agree with tiny1274 100 percent. I think Ed Gray, the principals, and everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves! One Wednesday night and a band are not very hard things to sacrifice compared to these brave men and women who gave their LIVES for us! Shelbyville has really taken a turn for the worse, not such a great place to live anymore!
The principals should be ashamed of themselves. We as a community should be also. There should be no question about the bands. Did the school staff even ask about church or did they just ASSume? They should be there to show their support to all who serve or have served. This is so sad to me. Bedford county should be ashamed.
James Monroe - 5th U.S. President
"When we view the blessings with which our country has been favored, those which we now enjoy, and the means which we possess of handing them down unimpaired to our latest posterity, our attention is irresistibly drawn to the source from whence they flow. Let us then, unite in offering our most grateful acknowledgements for these blessings to the Divine Author of All Good."
--Monroe made this statement in his 2nd Annual Message to Congress, November 16, 1818.
It is valiant for the men and women to be fighting, and sacrificing their lives for our freedoms, including freedom of religion. REMEMBER it is GOD that gives these men and women the strength and ability to fight for our freedom. So why not move the parade back to say 3pm so those that wish to attend services can, but they can also attend the parade, and support our troops?
This is not a bands parade, it is a VETERANS parade!!! The immaturity of our society today! This is just sickening!!! Grow up people, there are a lot more issues that we as Americans need to focus on.
isnt sunday the main church day? yeah wednesday is important to but i think kids could "take off" a wednesday night. ppl do it all the time. wen i went to church on wednesday night half of my group was never there bc of "other actitivies" like sports. so they are saying that veterans day isnt important enough to have bands in the parade? that saddens me bc bands have always been a part of the parades in this town and that excites everyone with the sounds of instruments make. and not doing that for the veterans is wrong bc they fought for us and the marching bands are showing that the ppl are thankful for wat they did for us and the ones who are fighting for us now. veterans often think they are forgotten but wen we have things like the parades and program at schools it reminds them that we havent forgotten about them and we are thankful for wat they did for us. are there gonna be bands at the christmas parade? thank you for the ones who served our country and the ones who are serving now. Happy Veterans Day!!
Its obvious there are some comments from people who dont READ the bible or attend church. that is there preference. There is no one more patriotic and AM thankful for our past ,present and future soldiers who have sacrificed their time, and lives unselfishly. I am so grateful for them, that they are why we can live in a free country such as the United States. But regardless, of who you think attends church, It is another freedom we also have in worshipping God. it doesnt mean we love our vets less. It means who ever planned this parade could have made it a day early so that those who attend church do not have to give up their time of worship and our veterans are given the proper Honor they deserve. What is a parade without a band???
isnt sunday the main church day? wednesday is important to but i think kids could "take off" a wed. night. ppl do it all the time. wen i went to church on wed. night half of my group was never there bc of "other actitivies" like sports. so they are saying that veterans day isnt important enough to have bands in the parade? that saddens me bc bands have always been a part of the parades in this town and that excites everyone with the sounds the instruments make. and not doing that for the veterans is wrong bc they fought for us and the marching bands are showing that the ppl are thankful for wat they did for us and the ones who re fighting for us now. veterans often think they are forgotten but wen we have things like the parades and programs at schools it reminds them that we havent forgotten them and we are thankful for wat they did for us. are there gonna be bands in the christmas parade? thank you for the ones who served our country and the ones who are serving now. Happy Veterans Day!!
i agree with everyone. everyone is right in their own way
I am sure these bands are honoring our veterans at their school activities today. Everyone knows that Wednesday night is a time people go to church. If you want people to participate in or come see a parade, there is an obvious conflict with many, many churches in town. What happened to the 11th month, 11th day, and 11th hour. That would have been much more fitting for our veterans and many more could have been involved. I have been in town and seen the Veterans Day parade during the day before. This should have been a "no brainer." By the way, I know for a fact that there will be more than a handful of our upstanding band members from all three bands at church services tonight. What a horrible outlook on our youth! Thank you veterans for all that you do and have done for our country. I wish that all the Veterans in my family were still around to thank today. You served and died so we could have religious freedom. I am so thankful.
I think any extra-curricular activities should be left up to the individuals and their families and if these kids choose to go to church then I guess that's their right that our soldiers fought for but since when does the school care about anything religious in our schools unless we are respecting non-american traditions. They took prayer out of our schools so please don't make that an excuse for a school related activity.
I think the handful of WWII veterans attending this parade, would really appreciate the youth of our country honoring them (and their brothers who didn't come home) with a little marching music. My apologies to the men who fought on foreign soil and sacrificed so much, you have never asked for anything. You've have served you country proudly. There are still a few of us who will never forget that. GOD BLESS YOU!
Could not have said it better thisismyopinion. All of a sudden the religion is more important than those who gave us this right. And Sunday is the 7th day not Wednesday, what betteer reason than to honor all the men and women who fought for us, I do think God would understand and agree.
2009.11.09 (Jolo, Philippines) - Abu Sayyaf militants cut the head off of a local school principal and leave it in a paper bag at a gas station.
2009.11.09 (Yala, Thailand) - A young Buddhist man collecting plants is brutally ambushed and killed by Religion of Peace advocates.
2009.11.09 (Peshawar, Pakistan) - A woman and a rickshaw driver are among three people blown up by a Shahid suicide bomber.
2009.11.09 (Narathiwat, Thailand) - Islamists shoot and kill a 53-year-old riding home on his motorcycle.
2009.11.08 (Rajouri, India) - A man and his wife are murdered in their home by intruding Islamic gunmen.
2009.11.08 (Pattani, Thailand) - A young man eating in a restaurant is among two people killed in separate Mujahid shootings.
BROTHERS IN ARMS I THANK GOD FOR YOU DAILY! Go forth with your eyes wide open and confront evil where it exist.
Thank you for the service of protecting my family and our way of life.
How can we have any pride in our school system that will not allow the students to hear words of encouragement from our president and now won't take a stand to support our veterans. Sorry, sad, day. I can't believe any church had a problem, the problem is with our county school board and superintendent. We should be willing to do whatever it takes to honor our veterans, at least on veterans day. Shame on the school board.
Do many churches have Wed services these days?
Yes,it's good to set aside days to honor God,honor our veterans,tell those important to us we love them and even check our smoke detectors.
That doesn't mean those are the 0NLY days those tasks can be performed.
Perhaps,the bands,etc. can perform another time -not as an afterthought or a sop to those that might have been offended by their absence in this year's Veteran's Day parade-but as a reminder that any day,EVERYday should be a time to demonstrate our respect and appreciation.
Our charities ask that the needy be remembered outside of the holidays.
Maybe,we need to recognize that God and those who have dedicated themselves to preserving freedom need our recognition (and our work on their behalf) more than a few hours a year with no thought given to them outside their allocated period.
The lack of bands in this parade may have been an unfortunate,preventable glitch but,maybe,it has presented an opportunity to examine what truly matters to us and when and how we need to show the way we care.
Unbelievable.....These guys have gave all for us to have the freedom to be able to go worship GOD. I cant believe that this would be an issue. What if there were no veterans? What if we didnt have the freedom to go to church? I really dont think GOD would mind the band marching in the parade to show support for the ones that made it possible for us to have the freedoms that some take for granted.....Wow, truly unbelievable....
I don't believe for one moment that the decision not to have bands was because of Wednesday night church services. I think it was because the directors and the kids did not want to do it. There have been several parades lately (Christmas and Veterans) in which most or all of the bands were not there...(rain, church, etc.) Just an observation.
But let us remember if the Super Bowl was to suddenly be on a Wednesday night, how many people are going to be absent from church to watch it? Is that more important than Veterans? Because way more people miss church, usually on a Sunday, for their TV habits.
As for the bands, it is time they woke up. Start marching in the parades and wear your uniform before people stop buying when you are out fundraising...Just a thought.
This is a disgrace! If not for thr vets we wouldnt be able to have the freedom to go to church. I will not order any fruit this year and will not support the band boosters booth at the Celebration again.If if was a ball game on Wednesday you can bet the band would be there.People get out and VOTE for a new school board.
my granddaughter is a member of the schs marching band ,and yes she went to church tonight. all they were asked asked were how many of them went to church and nothing was said to them about marching in the parade.the kids are the band , i agree they should have been in the parade to show respect for the veterans, but the kids dont make that decision. i dont know if it was the band director or a higher power. but by not supporting the band any of their fundraisers you are only the kids ,think about it .if they had of marched my child would have been there.
I didn't get to see the parade this year but helped my daughter video for T/G last year. I think I remember seeing maybe one band .... what was their excuse last year? Our veterans ensure our freedoms are protected including the right and freedom to worship our Lord. For the school administrators, faculties, and kids choosing not to support our veterans is a down right shame!
Thank-you fellow veterans for your sacrifice. Never Forget!
Mark Welsh
USAF PROUD Veteran
Oh, and I'd like to thank Liberty school for their fine program for Veterans Day! It was a pleasure hearing Keith White sing "Hometown Hero". So thanks for the invitation Amber and Jacie!
This is terrible, the school system should be ashamed.
In my defense as a school board member I found out when all of you did that the bands would not be performing in the parade. This is a decision that is made at each school level. Almost every school in this county had a special program yesterday to recognize our veterans. The students were encouraged to invite their family members and friends who have served. The students led the activities or sang or performed skits, etc to honor the veterans who were in attendance. This has been done each year as far back as I can remember. While it was unfortunate that the bands didn't play please note that our children were told about Veterans Day and many actually met a soldier or former soldier, they saw their teachers, parents and visitors with a tear in their eye as the great men and women were honored. While I understand why this is upsetting for many of you, please know that our school system did not forget Veterans Day and these great men and women were honored by our students in very touching ceremonies.
Diane Neeley
4th District
Mama D : If it was a ballgame they would have been there and you know it! GET OUT AND VOTE PEOPLE! this is the second DISGRACE in 2 weeks lets not forget the state REPORT CARD.somebody is NOT doing their job.
I WISH SOMEONE WOULD TRY AGAIN TO OPEN A PRIVATE SCHOOL IN BEDFORD CO.
How about "Ed Gray for Mayor" ?
There he could do as much as is currently being done about bringing new industry here and pushing for a 287G illegal program being commenced here.
In other words....N O T H I N G
Whether the schools did something during the day or not is NOT the point...Cascade's Elem program lasted less that 15 minutes! (It probably took longer for some of those Veterans to drive there!) But there were very few parents/friends there. (Many Veterans there though, which was wonderful...unfortunately Mrs Fisher didn't look hard enough to see the woman raising her hand when asked if she had missed anyone.)
Anyway, my point is that there are many parents that cannot take off work at 1:30 in the afternoon for a 10 minute program. (It took longer to get all the kids seated in the gym!) I'm sorry, but churches have cancelled Wednesday night services for "less important" functions before...this should have been one of them. Without our Veterans, you would not have the FREEDOM to worship freely! We have a severe lack of cooperation in our community and that's just sad.
THANK YOU VETERAN'S!
It used to be that the SCHS band was the only band in town, but they were at every Veteran's and Christmas parade. Now we have three bands in town and I have yet to see a parade with all three bands together. Commmunity may not have a marching band but they could still contribute. I remember their early days when they were a concert band on a flatbed being towed by a truck. lol. I am just saying make an effort. What has gotten into these band directors that they can't bring their bands to a parade....
Neighborhood Mom,
I thought the Veteran's Day Program at Cascade was very nice. The program was actually 20 minutes long. That is about the length of time Kindergarten and first grade students can sit quietly and listen. You need to think about the big picture instead of being so quick to critize. There was a display of uniforms that were worn by our service men and women in past wars that I took the time to visit in the library. There were refreshments served after the program for the honored veterans. Lessons were taught in my child's class about Veteran's Day and why we observe it. A veteran spoke to my child's class about his experiences during his tour of duty during Desert Storm. More of us on these blogs need to try to find the positives, rather than being so negative and judgemental. I would also like to thank the men and women who served our country!
I'm definitely not down on the students, especially the younger ones as they work hard to do a program to honor veterans and are thrilled to have these visitors come to their school. Oh and by the way, Mayor Cartwright was standing right next to me at Liberty school ... he being an Army Guard veteran from 1953 - 1963.
I was at the Cascade Elem Veteran's Day program. It was a very sweet and thoughtful program. The Cascade Highschool band did a live performance of a variety of patriotic songs. A fourth grade student lead the audience in The Pledge to the flag. Two fifth grade classes recited the Preamble to the Constitution. Two other grades sang two patriotic songs. I would say that getting 100 3rd graders and over 100 1st graders to learn a song took some time. There were children greeting the Veteran's and visitor's at the door to hand out programs and usher them to the gym for the program. I think that the teachers put alot of time and effort into making it a very solemn and honorable day for all in attendance.
Puddinlover....
So true..I am sure it took a lot of time and effort to put together such a program at Cascade Elementary. I appreciate everyone that was involved who helped to honor our Veterans. Kudos to you all!!!
I don't believe the point was to say bad things about the programs at the various school. The fact that the bands were not in the parade is and ENTIRELY different point. You can participate in those programs and also be at the more public parade as well.
Bob M you are right. But think about this if you worked for a new industry would you really want to bring your children to Bedford Co schools? 2 disgraces in 2 weeks,but lets not forget we play good ball... Change is needed and fast!
to all of you who have no idea about band at all, i am a community high school alumni and was the tuba player for six years and you have no idea how hard it is to put something together like this at a moments notice. i am also attending university of cincinnati college-conservatory of music and up here, we get breaks from time to time (in this case, the university was closed for veterans day). we took our break that day and i think the bands deserved one too. and yes, contrary to popular belief, many band students do attend church. so, don't say that "it's a disgrace" just because you think the bands are lazy or you think that church is an excuse or something. we actually work hard and get great results. wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone tried that. this is why many people in my profession move to europe because we are tired of american work ethic and attitude. just my $0.02.
I was in high school band also including 2 years of jr. high when I marched and did concert band with the high school. We were "invited" by other towns to come to their parades and march for Veterans Days and Christmas parades as well as our own town ... and we always went. Now this was back in the early 70's while the 'Nam war was still going on and patriotism to some was protesting against everything. The planning involved is indeed a factor but Veterans Day falls on the same day every year since about 1917. So a moments notice won't wash for those who plan ahead to be part of the community and show their support.
I don't hold any student at fault as they are not the decision makers. I think all of them would be more than happy to march in the parade if they are led in that direction. We owe a debt of gratitude to all veterans and active duty but especially those of the "Greatest Generation" of WWII as we are losing them little by little each day. We need to show our gratitude while they are still here with us.
Its good to see the youngsters in elementary and middle school are being exposed to patriotism at a young age as it will benefit this country as they get older and become pillars of society. We as adults have to set that example.
I totally agree that students should owe a debt of gratitude to the vets, but we shouldn't feel "obligated" to march the parade every year. We don't even have to march to honor the veterans. As long as they think about it and reflect on what they have done for us, I don't see any problem with that. Again, musicians need a break sometimes!
Maybe if more of us were the "half full" kinds of guys instead of the "half empty" ones, we wouldn't have to be so NIT PICKY all the time.....
Geez...give it a break!
By the way, the bands were asked to march in the parade on Tuesday of this week, the day before the parade. Please take that into account when considering this matter. Also, do you know another town in the area that chose to have their Veteran's Day parade at 6:30 on a Wednesday night? I know Murfreesboro had their parade Wednesday morning, and Nashville had their parade Tuesday night.
What good is a marching band if they don't march in parades? (And just so you know, I'm not dissing on the students)...but you spend most of the summer practicing/marching, why wouldn't you want to do it in your community?! Just so you can go to competitions? Big deal, it's a trophy. What good is it if you don't "share" your talent with the community that supports you? (Again, not aimed at students, but band directors/school leaders!) I was in the band for 4 years (and back then there was no difference in the marching band and "concert" band...fall was for marching and the winter/spring were "concerts")...we wanted to march for our Veterans and our community. We marched for Memorial Day also. Veterans LOVE hearing the Patriotic music "live"...it shouldn't have come down to church vs community. It's not like we've not KNOWN what day Veteran's day for the last year!
By the way...I also wasn't dissing on Cascades performance...I was commenting that it was awful short. And yes, I do understand the antsy-ness of the younger students. My comment was that there were not a lot of parents there BECAUSE it was in the middle of the day and parents can't always get off for a short program.
Band should not have to be asked to play in the parade. They have marched in the parade that falls on the same day until recently. SO they should know it falls on Nov. 11 each year. So here is a shout out to all the county bands, the Shelbyville Veterans Day parade will be Nov. 11, 2010. This is giving you a year to make plans. Let's see if all three county bands show up now. I have a feeling there will be excuses next year as well...
I think we also have one of those "well the other band is going so why should we" attitude...
This is a disgrace! If not for thr vets we wouldnt be able to have the freedom to go to church. I will not order any fruit this year and will not support the band boosters booth at the Celebration again.If if was a ball game on Wednesday you can bet the band would be there.People get out and VOTE for a new school board.
-- Posted by tinytoes on Wed, Nov 11, 2009, at 9:41 PM
tinytoes, you should not punish the kids for a decision made by the school board. Even though you don't like the decision, the kids in the bands still need the money for uniforms and instruments.
So, while I am here, let me also say this. I attend, and am a Deacon of a local Southern Baptist Church. We have anywhere from 25-50 teenagers attend our Wednesday night service, of which there are 3 or 4 that are in the school band. Speaking for myself, and I am certain that our pastor and youth pastor would agree, we would have ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM if these kids missed one Wednesday night service to honor our veterans. We encourage our kids (and all of our members for that matter) to do everything as if unto the Lord. If the band was going to play, the kids would tell us and we would say to them, "go, and use your instrument to worship God and honor the vets by playing your absolute best"!
"Whatever you do, do your works heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of your inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve". Colossians 3 23-24 (NASB)
Finally, many men fought and died for the this country's rights. Some know and loved God, some did not know God, and some even hated God. To be clear, it is God who gave us this freedom, the men who fought were His instruments to deliver that freedom. So, thank God, thank a Vet!
I'm going to throw my last 2 cents in here by re-posting my comments from last year after I did a search on Times Gazette...notice that Veterans Day fell on Tuesday last year. Bottom line red state America is tired of excuses and the prevalent attitude that exists in the mindset that "it's all about me". Though I was a toddler when JFK was president but still wouldn't have approved of his visions ... I will say that he had one remarkable quote that bears repeating: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country".
11/11/08 - "I concur newgrandmommy. For those that participated in the parade, a very warm thank-you for honoring our veterans! I was wondering though, as I stood along the parade route on the square, why there is no high school marching band playing patriotic songs? We have (to my knowledge) 3 public high schools in this county capable of participating. Is there an ordinance that I'm not aware of that doesn't permit it? My apologies up front if there is. The WWII, Viet Nam, Iraq, and Afghanistan vets are due all of the support and respect that our town and our country can muster on their behalf. Many thanks to the emergency services, the political representatives, the scouting organizations, and the veterans that participated tonight as well as the clubs who were represented. And thank-you fellow veterans for making it possible to live in a country where freedom rings!
WHAT IS A VETERAN?
A Veteran whether active duty, reserve or retired is someone who, at one time in their lives wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount up to and including his/her life.
-- Posted by M Welsh on Tue, Nov 11, 2008, at 8:39 PM"
Thank You for your response Midnight Rider. I would hope that would be the response from all our church leaders...apparently our band directors/school officials didn't want to deal with the "honoring" of our vets! They must have thought the school programs were enough. Well, I'm sorry SCHOOL OFFICIALS, YOUR COMMUNITY supports your schools...how about supporting YOUR COMMUNITY?! Good grief, that's pathetic!
No what is pathetic is that neighborhood mom is still harping on this subject. Why don't you, neighborhood mom, get involved in YOUR school and see what you can do to help them do all that is asked of them by the state and national government. How often are you in that particular building offering support instead moaning about what isn't done? I am sure your child's teacher or principal would be glad to have you volunteer your time.
To bedfordcounty08, don't be smart about the matter. Musicians need a break sometimes. Community has been working on concert material for their upcoming concert in December, which in turn leaves no time for any other activities. People do not understand music until they actually do it. Let me clarify AGAIN, musicians need a break. Try being a musician a while and see how it feels after a week. I am a college student right now, and I have classes, along with 4 hours of required practice 7 days a week, plus wind ensemble rehearsals, brass choir rehearsals, and then my work-study job. Quit griping about it and actually read into things before you post comments about subjects you know nothing about. Don't be saying that it's pathetic either! Try it and then tell me what you think!
You know Meaty, I didn't complain about what's being done in our schools...I was complaining about the fact that there were no bands in the parade...which was what most people commenting on here were upset about. I guess I need to spell it out a lot clearer. We, as a community, support the bands in their fundraisers to go on their trips, buy equipment, etc...why is it difficult to support the community by marching in a parade for our Vets? And again, I'm not criticizing the children (they don't make the decisions!), I am criticizing the administration from Ed Gray down to the Principals/Band Directors. And yes, I do volunteer in the schools...I do work, so I'm not up there every day. Sorry that seems to be a problem for you.
Maybe the organizers of the parade should just go ahead and invite other schools for next year. I'm sure they'd like the opportunity to march if they're area's not already having a parade during the same time. Then we might not have such an uproar next year.
Posted by neighborhood mom-
Whether the schools did something during the day or not is NOT the point...Cascade's Elem program lasted less that 15 minutes! (It probably took longer for some of those Veterans to drive there!) But there were very few parents/friends there. (Many Veterans there though, which was wonderful...unfortunately Mrs Fisher didn't look hard enough to see the woman raising her hand when asked if she had missed anyone.)
Anyway, my point is that there are many parents that cannot take off work at 1:30 in the afternoon for a 10 minute program. (It took longer to get all the kids seated in the gym!)
And in your latest post......
You know Meaty, I didn't complain about what's being done in our schools...
It sure looked like you were complaining. What else are others supposed to think you meant when YOU typed these words. Those of us who also have children attending Cascade take exception to your words. I agree with Meaty. Instead of complaining why don't you volunteer to organize the Veteran's Day program next year and see if you can do better? Yes, this blog was about bands, you were the one that decided to complain about the Veteran's Day program at MY child's school. You brought this attention on yourself. If you can't stand others disagreeing with your high and mighty opinions, then maybe you should keep them to yourself!
Is anyone truly surprised at this? Apathy, indifference--it doesn't matter what you call it, it is destroying this Great Nation from within. Ed and the principals were probably afraid they would be sued if someone tripped and fell during the parade. If you remained stationary during the entire parade you would have noticed that it was over in less than fifteen minutes. Go visit SCHS during class change and watch just what the veterans of our country have been protecting! That's what makes a vet a hero--he or she fights for all of us, regardless.
What ever happened to the message of separation of church and state? The more I hear about Ed Gray the less respect I have for this man, once again he chooses HIS agenda over the students. Had he spoken to the churches i am sure he would have found them to be more than willing to have the students show their respect for the vets. Churches honor God , and one of God's messages is compassion and love for our fellow man, tell me how showing compassion and respect for the vets would have gone against God? We do not have to be within the walls of a church to honor and worship God, in case Gray and the others involved in this decision have forgotten God is everyhwere. But then again he was against a speech encouraging the importance of education. I think it was not so much about church as it was about not wanting to be bothered with the work it would have taken to organize the students. Am I to believe they never have anything on Wednesday nights at the schools?