By Cathy Higgins
PERDIDO, Ala. — Perdido School’s annual Salute to Veterans celebration took a sobering turn Wednesday morning as state Reps. Alan Baker and Harry Shiver presented U.S. and Alabama flags to the family of the late Lance Cpl. Bruce Ferrell, a Perdido native and 2002 graduate of the school who was recently killed while serving in the Middle East.
“He knew the people of the U.S. needed him,” said Perdido School faculty member Karen Dyess in her address following the presentation.
Keynote speaker Maj. Gaston Jones, a veteran Marine and retired Baldwin County High School Junior ROTC commander, recalled how he also felt compelled by a need to serve in the military.
“I was a little older than you when I realized there were bad people in the world,” he told students in the packed gymnasium. “I knew I wanted to help stop them.”
Jones expanded on that by recounting U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts, including World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and ongoing efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of these, he added have not seen much public support.
“If you’re going to defend your country, you need to make up your mind to do it, whether your fellow countrymen like it or not,” the Mobile native said.
Throughout the morning, several students galvanized Jones’ point by reading essays, which were their own interpretation of the theme, “Are You Proud of Your Country?”
“I’m proud to be the daughter, granddaughter and even great-granddaughter of veterans,” Perdido School student Tori Clark said.
In her interpretation, Ashley Presley pointed to the United States’ standing in the international community.
“Whenever there’s a crisis, other nations look to America to take the lead,” the student said.
Evan Williams implored his fellow students to review the country’s origin.
“I think all Americans should go back and read about the Revolutionary War,” he said. “We should go back to those days when Americans showed love and pride in their country.”
Wednesday’s event also featured a variety of patriotic presentations, including performances by Perdido Chorus and Band, a musical tribute from grades one-five and the Escambia County High School Junior ROTC presenting colors and a rifle drill demonstration.
