West Hall schools plan to salute veterans Thursday

OAKWOOD - As Veterans Day approaches, the schools in the West Hall area have planned a community event designed to salute military personnel.

The Thursday event marks the second time the schools in the community have organized the "Salute Our Veterans" event. The four schools that will participate are Oakwood Elementary, Flowery Branch Elementary, West Hall Middle and West Hall High School.

Dr. Shane Rayburn, principal of Oakwood Elementary School, said even very young students understand the impact the military has on the nation and on their community, due in large part to media coverage.

In addition, he said teachers at his school are intentional about teaching the significance of Veterans Day.

"Students, I think, today more than ever, are very aware of the conditions of our democracy," he said.

Lt. Col. Stan Brown, the city manager for Oakwood, is the keynote speaker for the November 8 program.

"The jazz band will be playing, there will be choral pieces from some of the schools and some drama," said Rayburn.

Rayburn said the public is invited to the event at the West Hall High School gym at 7:00 p.m. There is no charge to attend.