Greg Kelm, Commander of VFW Post 1461, was organizing this year’s Veterans Day parade when a local scout master notified him that, unlike in years past, school would be in session that day.
VFW Post 1461 Commander Greg Kelm talks about the decision to cancel the Veterans Day parade
“Without the bands, without the scouts, without the students that come to the parade … we figured this year, there would be no sense having the parade,” Kelm said.
Kelm says the decision represents a slippery slope. He questions why the district changed its policy specifically for Veterans Day and decided, for example, to continue to cancel classes for other holidays, such as Columbus Day.
“It’s a real slap in the face," he said. "Some Vietnam veterans were spit on when we returned back from Vietnam. I feel we were just spit on by the school district and the people that made this decision."
An interim Superintendent for the district says the decision was not intended as a sign of disrespect, adding that students will pay tribute to veterans through classroom activities, assemblies, and visits from military personnel.
The Post still plans to hold a memorial observance that day.
Statement from the Belvidere School District:
Students in the Belvidere School District will be in session this Veterans Day, a day typically reserved as a federal holiday.
Belvidere High School and Belvidere North High School marching bands will participate in the community celebrations as they have in the past, and over 8,000 students will pay tribute to veterans through classroom activities, assemblies, and learning about the significance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Teachers as well as guest military personnel will play a part in the educational process, with some of the veterans being employees of the District.
Belvidere Schools has a long established process for drafting, recommending, and approving school calendars. Options are provided to district employees for input and a final calendar, based on the responses, is created. The 2015-16 calendar was presented jointly to the Board of Education for consideration and adoption by administration and the Belvidere Education Association (see attachment) and approved.
We respect the calendar process, and we also respect the sacrifices made by the men and women in the military. Holding school on Veterans Day is not meant as a sign of disrespect; rather, it is an opportunity to educate our students on the significance of November 11 on the day specifically reserved for this remembrance.” Cheryl Gieseke, Interim Superintendent
A complete listing of activities by building
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