Nov. 11: Veterans Day in Porterville

I have always been Patriotic and I have always loved Veterans Day. I learned the Pledge of Allegiance before I started kindergarten and I can remember standing in the parking lot of Smith's Market, smiling at the flag. As I grew older, my pride in America increased. I think a lot of it has to do with being in the Porterville Panther Band under Frank Buck Shaffer. My senior year was in 1976 - America's Bicentennial. And what a celebration it was. Going to New York City, Washington D.C. and being able to visit historical sites, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, has affected me forever. I love attending the Veterans Day parade and Bandarama - something I have done faithfully since I was a child. It moves me to see the men and women who have unselfishly given their time -- and sometimes their lives --for our country. I am always so moved when I listen to the Star Spangled Banner, the Marine Corp. Hymn or Anchors Aweigh. I am so proud to be an American. Watching each band march around the track -- especially my old schools - Bartlett Middle School and Porterville High School - was great. It always brings back such wonderful memories of when I marched down there. But watching and listening to 1,163 young band musicians play patriotic music at once is something I wish everyone could hear. I can not imagine a Veterans Day without the Bandarama. I am so proud of Buck Shaffer for starting this wonderful Veterans Day tradition - something like 40 years ago.