Green Valley Elementary holds 24th annual Veterans program

Green Valley Elementary holds 24th annual Veterans program (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS) - Green Valley Elementary has been honoring veterans with its Veterans Day program for 24 years.

"We started the program so our children would understand the sacrifices that were needed for our country," explained Camilla Cabaniss.

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Now retired, Cabaniss helped start the tribute when she taught at the Roanoke County school.

"It started with a very small program and then each year its just expanded and expanded and our veterans are just a joy to be with."

Students salute veterans, dozens in attendance, who represent each branch of the military. The kindergarten through fifth graders acknowledged the heroes surrounding them through song and gave thanks for their service and sacrifice.

There's additional applause for members of The Greatest Generation, a handful of men here who fought in World War II. Frank "Sparky" Lane is the oldest in attendance at age 92.

"It means a lot," said the United States Navy veteran. "It means a lot. You can't help but choke up a bit."

For Cabaniss, the ceremony is personal.

"I grew up with World War II veterans. My father and my uncles, my mother lost a brother in World War II so I had an understanding," she said.

It's a lesson she says is important to start early.

"If we start giving our nation's history to our youngest citizens ten we will build on that history and they will understand what a great country they live in and what a magnificent history we have and they will learn to live and love it every day."