Patriotism overflowing

For the 12th year, Mulberry Elementary School students will pay tribute to the men and women – past and present – whose duty is ensuring the liberty and security of our nation.

The school’s 12th annual Veterans Day program will be held Nov. 9, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.

Each grade level, from pre-Kindergarten through the sixth grade, will perform songs or skits in tribute to America’s soldiers, said Sharon Chatagnier. The sixth-grade teacher is also leader of the school’s 4-H Club, which sponsors the event as a community service project.

The Mulberry Elementary Band is also slated to perform, and 4-H Club President Joelie Cantrelle will sing the National Anthem. A new element this year, sixth grader Bonnie Wells will perform a veteran’s rap, her own composition.

Betsy Ross and the Statue of Liberty are also scheduled to make guest appearances.

The Regional Military Museum is also providing a Jeep and mannequins outfitted in Armed Services attire.

The real stars of the show are Terrebonne Parish’s soldiers, Chatagnier. All veterans in attendance will be invited on stage to introduce themselves, identify the military branch and the place in which they served.

“It’s a very moving part of the ceremony, for the students and the soldiers,” Chatagnier said.

The event is free and open to the public.