by Joni Astrup
Associate Editor
In a patriotic and song-filled program, Meadowvale Elementary School students and guests gathered on Veterans Day to pay tribute to those who have served.
The event began on a reverent note, as students stood silently, hands over hearts, to watch the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard march into the school’s gymnasium and cafeteria with the flags.
The children then sang patriotic songs and listened to one student read his essay about Veterans Day.
Fourth-grader Brayden Hilyar told about his great-grandmother, Evelyn Tindell, who served in World War II.
“One of the things great about Evelyn Tindell was she was one of the first 83 women to join the Army,” Brayden told the Veterans Day gathering. Her job was to intercept enemy calls, which meant she listened to the enemies’ plans.
She also was part of the secret service and went to England. While on duty she contracted tuberculous. Tindell later spent two years in a hospital.
“Since she had tuberculosis, she could only see her son through a glass window for two years,” he said.
She also had a lung removed, he said
After returning to a normal life, Tindell had to go to a hospital every year to make sure she didn’t have tuberculous again, he said.
Tindell is Brayden’s great-grandmother on his dad’s side.
His great-grandfather on his mom’s side also was in the military and served during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
He had with him his great-grandfather’s Army helmet.
Brayden wrapped up his speech by thanking veterans for their service.
A parade through the school capped the event. The honor guard led the parade, followed by musicians and veterans with the students who had invited them. Students lined the hallways, waving American flags.
Principal Karen Maschler said the event is designed to honor veterans and thank them for their service to the country and their efforts to protect Americans’ freedoms.