GREENFIELD — Hundreds of students and staff from Cesar Chavez Elementary School honored local veterans last Thursday during the school’s annual Veterans Day ceremony.
Principal Jorge Jasso welcomed guests to the Nov. 9 assembly held outside on the school’s blacktop.
U.S. Air Force veteran Jose Magallón was the guest speaker and paid tribute to his wife Jane Christine “Chris,” also an Air Force veteran, who served on the Greenfield School Board for 10 years and helped establish the building of the elementary school. She died Aug. 19 at age 62.
“She left her mark on the community in the education system in a number of ways,” Magallón said. “As you go past the front of this building, if you look at the plaque, you will see her name imprinted in there. She was one of the people to ensure that this facility was built.”
Before leaving the podium, Magallón told the students to make each day count.
“Value your education, for this is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and your family. Be proud of yourself and in your accomplishments,” he said.
Greenfield Police Sgt. Daniel Sotello, a U.S. Navy veteran, sang the National Anthem, while advanced band trumpet students played taps. The entire student body also helped sing the Pledge of Allegiance song, followed by the school choir thanking soldiers through song and fifth graders singing the “Constitution Song,” all led by music teacher Matt Huot.
