Proudly a part of the “Home of Heroes,” Pueblo School District 60 and its students have made it a point to annually pay tribute to, and show respect for, those brave servicemen and women whose selflessness has enabled democracy and freedom to flourish.
On Veterans Day, November 11, starting at 6 p.m., the District is once again partnering with the Center for American Values to present the sixth Pride and Patriotism event at Memorial Hall.
Underwritten by Kaiser Permanente and the El Pomar Foundation, Pride and Patriotism is a tribute to those military heroes who have made extreme sacrifices to strengthen America’s values, allowing us to enjoy our diversity, culture, and traditions freely. This year’s theme is “Celebration of Service,” and District students from Kindergarten to the 12th grade were asked to show their appreciation to our veterans and the sacrifices they made by participating in a thematic tribute contest.
The contest affords the District’s young men and women the opportunity to reflect on why military service should be celebrated, and to use their creative flair to express that appreciation, with the winning entries to be revealed during the course of the evening.
Additionally, District music students will honor veterans throughout the evening, performing songs of patriotism, hope, and freedom. There also will be professionally produced video segments to augment the live portion of the event.
The ceremony will be hosted by longtime journalist and current college educator Steve Henson, with Cadet Private First Class Coriannon Thielemier of the South JROTC program serving as a co-emcee.
As the wife of a veteran, Superintendent Charlotte Macaluso has special regard for all those who have served. She has ardently championed Pride and Patriotism since its inception.
“Pride and patriotism are forms of honor, guiding the beautiful spirit of Pueblo and our great admiration for those who have served in the military,” Superintendent Macaluso said. “This celebration features the cumulative efforts of scholars from all of our schools, who have been learning about our service members and their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to protect our freedoms.
“By its very definition, ‘service’ means to give of oneself for the benefit of others with little or no regard to one’s own personal welfare or well being. That, in a nutshell, defines a veteran, and that is why we are coming together to honor them.”
The event is free and open to the public. Commemorative tickets to attend the event can be picked up at the Administration Building located at 315 W. 11th Street but are not required to attend.
The wearing of masks is strongly encouraged but not required.
