Veterans, including America’s most-decorated still living, share wisdom with younger generation

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WBBJ) - Beaver Elementary School invited distinguished veterans and community leaders out to share their experiences, so that young children can recognize the sacrifices made by men and women in the military every day.

In attendance as a guest speaker was US Air Force Retired Col. James C. Harding, who is recognized as America’s most-decorated living veteran. He shared several stories as well as words of wisdom for the younger generation to carry forward.

“Someday, you’re going to be graduating from this school. You’re going to go to another school, and maybe even go to another school. I went to a lot of schools in my life, and it seems like every time I would go to another school, I would learn more, and more, and more, and more,” says Col. Harding.

Retired Air Force Chief Spurgeon Smith, who served in Korea and in Vietnam, was also there to share wisdom with the students.

“Build on what you learn back here in school. Listen to the teachers and let them teach you what you need to know as you progress in education. It’s a wonderful life, and it can be a beautiful life that you can serve your community; you can serve your country,” says Chief Smith.

Several more veterans from the surrounding communities came to watch the Beaver Elementary School Choirs perform songs to thank the veterans. Songs such as ‘Thank You, Veterans,’ ‘God Bless the USA,’ and ‘This Land Is Your Land’ rang through the Beaver gymnasium after Col. Harding’s speech. The ceremony closed with Taps.