Stepping Stone Academy celebrates Fourth of July

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – Ahead of Independence Day teachers, parents, and students at Stepping Stone School dressed in their best red, white, and blue to honor our freedom.

“We believe that it’s important to instill and inspire patriotism in our American boys and girls,” said parade coordinator, Miss Texas Senior Classic 2015 and assistant state director of the Miss Texas Senior Classic, JoAnne McMeans.

Carl Ray Rollins served in the Signal Corps during WWII and was a guest speaker at the Stepping Stone School event. He said it’s important for students to learn what July 4th means.

“It’s the glue that holds our country together in connection with our Judeo-Christian tradition,” Rollins said.

He recently turned 100-years-old and the children surprised him by singing Happy Birthday.

“It’s nice to be recognized and I appreciate it,” Rollins said.

Though he doesn’t feel like he deserves all the recognition he gets as a veteran.

“Children and others need to realize that combat veterans who suffered the most casualties and most deaths need to be appreciated more there ought to be a better distinction,” Rollins said.

Rollins left the students with this important message.

“I hope you have a great future children, you need to study American history, where we’ve been, where we’re going, and try to make the country better in all that you do,” Rollins said.

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