FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 11/6/2003

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Gene Hodges, Harwood Junior High School, 817-354-3360
 

Harwood Junior High School will have a Veterans Day ceremony at 2:45pm, November 11, and the guest speaker will be one of the District's own, an assistant principal who took a leave of absence to serve in the miliary last year. The school is located at 3000 Martin Drive, Bedford, 817-354-3360, Gene Hodges, principal.

Michael Granado, assistant principal at the FEW Education Center, was with Bell Manor Elementary School in November 2002 when he was called to serve in the US Army as a member of the reserves. Master Sergeant Granado served at Fort Bliss in El Paso for five months, training soldiers in preparation for the Iraqi conflict.

Granado said he will speak briefly about his time with his soldiers, but he wants to "shine the spotlight" on veterans who will be present at the ceremony.

The school band will play songs to represent each branch of service, and members of those branches will be asked to stand to be recognized.

The ceremony agenda is as follows:
Presentation of Colors - Gene Hodges introduces Wilmer-Hutchins, NJROTC Color Guard

Pledge of Allegiance - Battalion Commander, Wilmer-Hutchins

National Anthem - Harwood Junior High band, under the direction of Mark Wallace and Sara Wolf

Welcome and Recognition of Veterans - Gene Hodges, Principal

Introduction of Pride and Patriotism Committee Chairman Chris Brown- Gene Hodges

Guest Speaker - Chris Brown introduces Michael Granado, assistant principal, FEW Education Center

"Song for the Unsung Hero" by Joseph Martin - Harwood Junior High Choir, under the direction of Jeanne Raebler

"Salute to America's Finest" Harwood Junior High Band. Gene Hodges introduces and asks that the veterans stand when their branch of the service song is played so as to be recognized

"America the Beautiful" sung by freshman, Sarah Kayfus

Thank you and presentation of Gifts to Guest Speaker - Chris Brown and Gina Bianchi

Retiring of the Colors and Dismissal - Gene Hodges, Principal