This morning at the Foot of Ten Emelentary School, I went to their annual Veteran's Day Celebration and let me tell you, it was moving. The staff, parents, and kids were more than welcoming and planned this event out with such a great effort. I've never been more impressed with a performance than I was this-morning.

First off, they held a breakfast for all of the Veterans and family members and friends. Students seated us and brought us our food, and poured our coffee. We sat across from total strangers and talked about the military and when we were finished eating, sat down in aisles of chairs to wait for the show.

It started with the Colors going to the front, and the students sang the National Anthem, which sounded great. The principal then introduced some kids who told us all why they are proud to be American Patriots. One told about his Pappy, another about her parents, and most importantly - they all knew the cost of freedom and where it came from. What a proud moment to see young Americans learning true patriotism and American Pride. If more schools were like this one, then I see a very bright future for America, simply because these kids truly believed in America and their love for it was apparent.

There were also some guest speakers - recent Iraq-War Veterans who shared their experiences with us. It was very emotional to hear one Sergeant First Class tell his family's story on their hardhsips and how much it was all worth. It's been a long time since I senses such overwhelming support for our country and our military in a long time. The best part though, were the kids who genuinely made the whole scene patriotic.

I heard a few kids say they would do anything for our country, and others say they would sign up in a heartbeat. We need more patriotic Americans like that. Why can't adults be as caring for our country and its interests as a kid? Kids do not blindly follow what other patriots tell them to believe. Kids can see how lucky they are to live in the U.S.A. Luckily, these kids haven't yet been distracted with their own self-interest so much that they can't save a place in their heart for their Country.

I encourage whoever reads this to pray for these young men and women, that they keep this essential pride with them wherever their lives take them and thank God for them, because kids like these are the ones who are the greatest encouragement to veterans like me showing that what we do IS appreciated and DOES make a difference.

Jeff Neff