“Let Freedom Ring!” was the theme of Rockwell Christian School’s program that honored the nation’s veterans. The program, which featured the entire student body, celebrated America’s heritage with a journey through history — from Columbus’ discovery of a new land, the Pilgrims’ landing and colonial days, pioneers progressing through uncharted lands, to today’s military heroes.
With the precision of the military throughout the program, the students moved from the pre-school presentation of a variety of songs including “The Lord’s Army” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” to an ensemble performance of “If My People.” From there the audience was blessed by a presentation from the elementary classes of the medley “Let’s Hear It for the Red, White, and Blue” and “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”
Next, symbols of America were represented by the second- and third-grade classes — the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam, Abraham Lincoln, Christopher Columbus, as well as the eagle, the military, a preacher, and the USA. They sang “Freedom! Freedom!” The second scene was a representation of the “New World,” complete with the Pilgrims and Indians who quoted the poem, “Pilgrims, Pilgrims, What Do You See?” and presented in sign language as the high school female ensemble sang “America.”
The third scene, led by the fifth grade, was introduced by the colonists quoting the Preamble to the United States Constitution followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The fourth scene, which symbolized the pioneer days, was highlighted by the fourth-graders singing “This Land is Your Land.”
Culminating the evening, the fifth scene recognized the honorees of the night — the United States military veterans. The poem “Freedom Isn’t Free” reminded all in attendance of the price that was paid and is still being paid for freedom. Flag bearers posted the colors of each branch as those veterans were asked to stand. At the recognition of the POWs, the elementary students sang an a cappella version of “Amazing Grace” and taps was played. After “Thank You, Military,” the emphasis of the program shifted to the source of all true freedom — God’s word. Psalms 33:12 says that the nation whose God is the Lord is blessed and Matthew 8:36 further admonishes that only the son can make one free indeed. The finale electrified the auditorium with the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America.”
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14. “Let freedom ring!”