In honor of Veterans Day, LISD recently held a recognition breakfast for Veterans and their guests at Timber Creek Elementary School, followed by a commemoration ceremony at the LISD Administration Building.

The program, sponsored by the Board of Trustees, was dedicated in memory of Major Matthew Wade Worrell, who was killed in action while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Worrell was a 1990 graduate of Lewisville High School.

The Lewisville High School band, under the direction of Dr. Marty Courtney, provided stirring music for the crowd. Each branch of the service was recognized as the band played their anthem.

A joint JROTC Color Guard, representing all LISD high schools, united in the Presentation of Colors.

Keynote Speaker Jerry Stover, a World War II Veteran, spoke of the need to remember and honor all veterans.

The program concluded with a reading by 7th Grader Jenay Loren Fritz (see below), the playing of Taps and Marcia Gackle, a teacher at Killough LHS-North, singing "Keep the Home Fires Burning".

In the Distance, Up Close, & Because of You
By: Jenay Loren Fritz
Seventh-grade student, McKamy Middle School

In the Distance …
I hear the rumbling of my high school band practicing
But you hear the rumbling of tankers moving in.

In the Distance …
I watch the airplanes bringing people to Texas for vacation;
You watch for airplanes to drop supplies down so you can survive another day.

In the Distance …
I see families enjoying each other;
You only see photographs of your loved ones.

In the Distance …
I pray to see you get off an airplane at DFW and reunite with your loved ones;
You also pray that you live and soon come home for good.

Up Close …
I smell the sweet aroma of my home;
But you smell the stench of gunpowder and burning rubber.

Up Close …
I taste my vanilla frappuccino with extra whip cream;
You taste freeze dried military food.

Up Close …
I touch my down feathery blanket and snuggle up.
You touch the rough military mattress and hope for 2 hours of sleep.

Because of You …
In the Distance and Up Close;
I have freedom and safety.

Because of You …
I can’t even begin to explain how thankful I am to have people
like you willing to risk their lives for mine.