CHS BRAVE Luncheon

On Friday I attended "Bring a Veteran to Lunch" at the Cheshire High School.  My daughter was my escort and she invited my father/her grandfather as well.  The function was organized by the CHS club B.R.A.V.E which stands for Bringing Remembrance to All Veterans Everywhere. A couple times a year they put on some sort of festivities in which all local veterans who wish to attend are honored in some way and fed extremely well with an enormous spread of entrees and desserts.  BRAVE always does something for Veterans Day and at least one other day which, this year, was Memorial Day.  We were greeted warmly and escorted inside where the kids had made and hung all sorts of patriotic--in this case personalized--posters.  

The marching band came in and played Armed Forces Salute and The Star Spangled Banner.  The VIP Chorus did a couple of vocal numbers and the Jazz Ensemble played while we feasted.  There were several student speakers, their faculty advisor said a few words and of course the principal had some remarks.  The students always put on a very warm and touching event and usually at these functions I get emotional a couple times at least.  Often it's the slightest thing which brings on a wave of emotion.  It's hard to explain and it passes quickly so I would just say that it's brought on by the pride and patriotism and kinship and the thought of those no longer with us that many--not all--Veterans share.

OOPS--I'm getting emotional now just thinking about it. There were Veterans present from every American conflict from WWII to Afghanistan.  All service branches were represented.  A good time was had by all and the kids took such pride in honoring and serving us.  Aside from the ceremonial nature of the festivities, one thing which was very endearing was how the kids scarfed down all the leftovers after the honorees had had their fill at the trough.  The club members, the musicians, the singers, the speakers all loaded up their plates then strapped on a feedbag and went to town.  It was really very sweet.  Anyway, until next time.....GBA!