Yesterday, I attended two, excellent Veteran's Day observances at the two middle schools in my town here in Texas. Ten years ago, the principal at one of the schools decided the kids of today don't understand the true meaning of Vet-Day. So he organized a special ceremony in the gym, attended by all the students, complete with honor guard, guest speaker (Viet Nam vet), band, individual recognition of each and every vet in attendance, and even a bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace." Now we have two middle schools and both host an observance, one providing brunch for the vets followed by the ceremony, the second providing a free, catered brisket lunch and a ceremony. Both still recognize each vet individually (name, service, years served). Multi-media presentations produced by the students highlighted the ceremonies. The bagpiper was there for the tenth straight year. The guest speaker for both was a retired Army 1st SGT who had served on the Presidential Honor Guard under Reagan and Bush 1. The students in attendance were quiet, respectful and many showed their appreciation by coming up afterwards and individually thanking many of us. This just shows what strong leadership in our schools can produce if they have a backbone and given the chance. It's great to live in Texas.