Seeliger students celebrate veterans

Carlos Torres, 10, said it’s important to recognize the men and women who have serve in the armed forces now and through history.

“We might not even be here if it wasn’t for them,” he said. “We cold have lost a war and maybe be ruled by China or somebody.”

However, as he said during the Veterans Day ceremony at Seeliger Elementary School on Friday, it is also a time for self-reflection for all Americans.

“We try to be heroes in our way by doing right by each other,” he said, “and in doing so make ourselves worthy of our veterans’ heroism.”

Students invited veterans to a concert at the school to honor their service through patriotic songs.

“It gives them a connection to their family and friends who are veterans,” said music teacher Mary Law. “And it lets the veterans know we care about their contributions to our country.”

Law said 45 veterans attended the concert last year. This year, 78 showed up.

Cory Fowler, who served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1994, attended at the invitation of his niece Kate Read, 7. It was his second ceremony, after going to Vets and Vittles at Sutro Elementary School in Dayton with his children Avery and Brynn.

“It’s a good thing for the kids,” he said. “It’s exciting for them.”

Master Sgt. Lizzy Liemandt of the Nevada Army National Guard has served in the military for 19 years, including two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I truly joined to serve my country,” she said. “Now, it’s just what I do. My favorite thing to do.”

She has attended the concert at Seeliger for the past six years, first with her daughter, now with her son, Sammy.

“Ms. Law does a wonderful job,” Liemandt said. “Every year, it’s amazing.”