By: Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Berkeley Heights Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) hosted a special event for veterans on Tuesday, where students could invite the veterans in their family to visit and enjoy breakfast together.
Veterans gathered at the school with their students to be recognized for their service to celebrate Veterans Day.
Julia Linaburg is the PTA president and organized this event with the help of the other PTA leaders. This was the second year the PTA hosted this event.
For many of the volunteers, this event is all about recognizing those who have served this country, while also bringing families together.
“This is one of my favorite events we have put together,” Linaburg said. “I love seeing families come together and see the kids smiling as they talk with their grandparent, aunt, uncle, mom or dad.”
Over 30 veterans attended the event. Thanks to the support from Roach Energy, City National Bank and other faculty members, the PTA provided a full breakfast for its guests, including eggs, bacon, mini muffins, pastries and more.
Following the breakfast, members of the PTA put together two school assemblies, where the Martinsburg High School Good Times Show Choir sang the national anthem. They then recognized each of the veterans and presented them with a special goodie bag to take home.
At each assembly, a class sang a special song, sharing their love for the United States. Finally, they finished by introducing the school’s new mascot, Berkeley the Badger, who came to say, “Hello,” and give high fives to the students.
Linaburg believes this event is important for the school, not only because it shows their thankfulness to the real-life heroes in the community, but it also brings families together. Since the PTA was created three years ago, its goal has been to connect people and support students.
This event accomplishes that by giving family members the chance to see their student’s school in person, build relationships and make the school a better environment for everyone.
“This event gives the children a chance to spend time with their family,” Linaburg said. “It helps them understand what the veterans go through and the sacrifice they give in order to protect this country. It gives them the chance to be together and talk with their students and other veterans, because family is a big thing.”
The PTA hopes to continue creating these opportunities to connect people and build a community through Berkeley Heights Elementary.