Ivey remembers military father during visit to Daleville
DALEVILLE—The drizzling rain didn't dampen the spirits of some 500 Windham Elementary School students as they marched two-by-two from their school to the nearby gymnasium each waving a small American flag to welcome the special guest at their Veterans Day Program Wednesday afternoon.
When Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey entered the gym moments later, students from kindergarten to fourth grade burst into cheers and applause, and then rose to a standing ovation along with their teachers and administrators, military guests from nearby Fort Novosel, and veterans living in the City of Possibilities.
It was indeed a Daleville City Schools Veterans Day Program to remember, said Daleville City Schools Superintendent Josh Robertson as he welcomed the governor to the school. With the school's proximity to Fort Novosel, her visit was especially meaningful to the school district. "Fort Novosel is the lifeblood of everything we are here, so I would dare say that just about everyone that was in attendance is related to someone that is a veteran," he told the governor.
After the posting of the colors by the Warhawk Battalion JROTC Color Guard under the leadership of Daleville High School JROTC Senior Army Instructor retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Nick Barley, and the National Anthem played by the Pride of the South Wind Ensemble under the leadership of Mark Nichols, Rev. Jim Peters from Daleville Baptist Church opened the assembly in prayer.
The history of the nation's Veterans Day Commemoration held annually was outlined by DHS JROTC Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Matt Jahandar. "Throughout my life, I have held a deep respect and love for our military because of my father's service in World War II," Ivey told the crowd. "My father, Maj. Boadman Nettles Ivey, served in the Army and was one of the soldiers who served in the days following D-Day, fighting on the beaches of Normandy.
"His stories of courage and dedication have always inspired me," the governor said. "He was a brave man, just like the veterans we have here with us today.
"My father, along with his fellow soldiers, faced challenges and uncertainties, yet they stood strong to protect the values and freedoms we hold dear," Ivey added. "Their unwavering courage and commitment to our nation are qualities we should all admire and seek to embody in our own lives."
"It is a very momentous occasion to have the governor come to Daleville," said Robertson said. "To have her come here to speak to our students about more than just veterans, but number one honoring veterans, is appreciated more than we can convey," Robertson said. "The school hosts this celebration every year, honoring the many veterans in the community who risked their lives for our nation's freedom. It is hard to put into words how appreciative we are to have her here.
"Thank you for your service and dedication to the state of Alabama and the Daleville City Schools," said Robertson to Ivey as he presented her a bronze Warhawk, a memento of the school's mascot.
"Thank you for everything you've done for the city of Daleville and the state of Alabama," said Daleville Mayor Jayme Stayton as he presented the governor with an official city coin.
Staff Writer
