Watch the virtual program here:  https://youtu.be/pXDq849eTcQ

NATCHITOCHES – Veterans and guests who participated in the Northwestern State University Lab School’s annual Veterans Day program were first greeted with a long line of American flags fluttering along Caldwell Drive with each flag representing a student at the school. Large signs, some created by the students, saluted all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

With patriotic music airing in the background, masked members of the 4-H Club handed out gift bags and shouted “Thank You!” to veterans as they pulled through the school’s circle drive, waving at the fourth graders who planned the Veteran’s Day observation while adhering to social distancing protocols. Decorated gift bags contained painted rocks, hand-drawn pictures, thank you notes, patriotic pins and candy.

In previous years, the NSU Lab School has hosted a breakfast for veterans and then presented a program with a slide show, music guest speaker and other tributes, planned and executed by the students. This year, following the drive-thru greeting, a virtual program was presented and streamed on the web with assistance from students in NSU’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts.

The virtual program included the Pledge of Allegiance, national anthem and color guard presentation of the colors, recognition of poster contest and essay winners, messages from former keynote speakers and a veterans slideshow.