By Anita Todd
WINTER HAVEN – Veterans of every age, branch, rank, and era of service were honored Friday, Nov. 7, during the annual “Warriors Salute to You” celebration at Winter Haven Christian School (WHCS). The two-hour tribute, now in its 12th year, welcomed more than 70 veterans for a morning of fellowship, patriotic performances, and recognition.
Guests were served breakfast and enjoyed connecting with one another before taking their seats for the ceremony. The Winter Haven Police Department presented the Colors, and students sang patriotic songs including “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless the USA.” In addition to musical performances, students recited poems and writings that reflected patriotism and gratitude.
Bud Porter, U.S. Navy veteran and now chaplain, served as the guest speaker. Veterans Coy Bope and Justin Brennan also spoke, sharing information about their outreach program, Veterans Outdoor Ministries.
The celebration began 12 years ago when Jeanette Venable — then Development Director and now Principal of the Elementary School — felt called to honor Pastor Dan Wade.
“I have always had an appreciation for the men and women who served our country to protect our freedoms,” Venable said. “Back then, Pastor Dan Wade was a member of our board of directors and a frogman in the Korean War. It was in his honor that I wanted to start this program to recognize as many as we can who have served our great nation.”
Since that first gathering, the event has grown while remaining centered on its mission: gratitude. “We publicize on social media and give our students invitations to invite any veterans to the school they know,” Venable said. “We want to include any and everyone who has served.”
Venable says the school’s commitment to honoring veterans is unwavering.
“The reason it is important to me to hold this event every year is to show appreciation and honor to our servicemen and women. Also to show our students how much we appreciate our veterans and teach them to love our country,” she said.
And as long as Venable is at WHCS, the tradition will continue, she said.
