Valwood 16th Veterans Day program starts with special World War II letter

HAHIRA, Ga. (WALB) – On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Valwood School celebrated its 16th Veterans program — honoring two special World War II veterans who were there from the start.

The Veterans Day program began with a special letter between one World War II veteran and a middle school student that grew into a 17-year-long celebration of veterans from all of American history.

That veteran was United States Navy veteran John McGowan from Valdosta.

“They were all in the lunchroom eating lunch with him. They were asking him all these questions and I thought we really ought to let all of them,” Vallye Blanton, Valwood Program Coordinator, said.

“I enjoyed it so much that I got in touch with her and I got her to get those guys together again,” McGowan said.

From the first year, the program grew to students and faculty inviting over 100 veterans.

“The first year we sang seven songs and had 35 World War II veterans and that’s all,” Blanton said.

Middle schoolers perform cherished songs to honor veterans and highlight the importance of their service.

“It especially makes me happy for the students because they love doing it and every year the 8th graders write their own parts,” she said.

James Herring is another World War II veteran, who was there from the start, and says he enjoys it every year.

“I just enjoyed it I guess that’s all I can answer,” he said.

Herring celebrated his 100th birthday this year.

“I come to most of them but I don’t know if I will make another one,” he said.

“When you come to one you want to come to another one,” McGowan said.

For Valwood this is a special day that they look forward to each year.

“We just have a good time doing it,” Blanton said.

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