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More than 30 veterans who are relatives of Gray Stone students were celebrated with a pancake breakfast for their selflessness, service and love of country in honor of Veterans Day. The breakfast was sponsored by the parent organization, The Lance, and prepared by Gray Stone students.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chief Administrative Officer Helen Nance welcomed veterans from all military branches and shared her appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice.
Among the special guests was 102-year-old World War II veteran James “Jim” Deal, who was drafted at 18 years old into the U.S. Army as a gunner in the 737th Tank Battalion.
He trained in Seattle, Washington for a year before being transferred to England, arriving in March 1944, three months before D-Day. Deal shared with staff and students about his time in the Battle of Saint-Lo, Battle of Mortain and the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged in 1946 and received the Purple Heart.
After the war, he settled down and married and had three daughters. He attended the breakfast with Karis Johnston, a sixth grader at Gray Stone.
“Veterans Day is such an important occasion to recognize the sacrifices of all the men and women who have served. Having these special guests on our campus was truly humbling. Service is one of the hallmarks of a Gray Stone student, and I am so proud of how our very own students were able to be a part of something special and serve in this capacity,” Nance said.
Senior Wesley Plyer added, “I really enjoyed being able to cook for our veterans. I think it is very important for us to remember what all they did to protect our freedoms.”
Gray Stone Day school recently began a veterans speaker series featuring retired Lt. Richard Lowder, who spoke to students about his experiences serving in Vietnam.