Violet Hill Cemetery received a morning visit from grades 3-7 from St. Patrick’s Catholic School, with kindergarten, first and second graders spending part of their afternoon on the hallowed grounds.[wpedon id=”82220″ align=”center”]
The message Principal Eddie Diaz and the teachers wished to impart was the meaning of serving others, especially those you do not know. Students brought along cleaning materials and went to work right away, scrubbing away layers of dirt and grime from scores of headstones, with a special emphasis placed on the markers of veterans.
Diaz, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom, talked about losing a good friend in combat. Perry’s own Lcpl. Josh Davis was discussed as well, along with others who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of strangers.
The significance of “Taps” was explained, and students stood in silence while facing the main American flag as a recording of the music played.
Wednesday will be last day of classes for this school year.
Dear Students and Faculty of St. Patrick School: We can all take a lesson from your example of caring and respect. Thank you for your efforts. You make all of us proud! Mike Kelley, Past Commander, American Legion Post 85, Perry, Veteran of the Vietnam War