Onaway teacher receives a ‘maybe’ from the White House
Every November 11, the Onaway school has the largest Veterans Day ceremonies in Presque Isle County, if not the entire area, and every year Onaway Elementary School fifth grade teacher Penny James, who has been at the heart of organizing the event, sends out invitations to different dignitaries.
That includes the Governor and the White House, but James had never received a response quite like the one she received May 8 at the school.
James said that she had received letters in the past from the White House, all turning down her request, but this time she received a “maybe” from the Office of Appointments and Scheduling.
THE LETTERHEAD, which reads ?The White House? on one line, and ?Washington? underneath, is addressed to Ms. James, Veterans Day Ceremony Coordinator.
The letter begins by thanking James for inviting President Bush to the Veterans Day parade and ceremony at the school November 10 ?and the valuable opportunity it presents,? stated deputy director La Rhonda M. Houston.
?As the president?s schedule continues to develop, your request will be given every consideration,? stated Houston. ?We will contact you once a final decision has been made.?
JAMES WAS pleased that the invitation was not turned down, like others have in the past, and that there is a possibility that the President is considering a visit to Onaway.
Elementary and high school students are involved in the annual event at the school building. A parade of veterans from across the region, along with small floats, begins in the elementary wing, and proceeds through the hallways to the high school gym for patriotic music and speeches.
Veterans Day is
IT WAS NOT until November 11, 1953 in Emporia, Kansas, instead of an Armistice Day program, there was a Veterans? Day observance. Ed Rees, of Emporia, was so impressed that he introduced a bill into the House of Representatives to change the name to Veterans? Day.
The name was changed to Veterans? Day by an act of Congress May 24, 1954.