Jacks Valley Elementary takes a look at America

Fifth-grade classes at Jacks Valley Elementary School used the alphabet to salute American history in front of a roaring crowd of parents and students on Tuesday.

On a stage decked in red, white and blue, the classes of Stacey Chambers, Jan Matts and Patty Tyson presented America A to Z, with each letter denoting some quality of the American experience.

"A" represented allegiance, and the Fallon Naval Air Station Color Guard was there to raise the flags and lead the crowd in the pledge of allegiance.

After singing the national anthem, fifth-grader Carolyn Vasquez spoke.

"'B' is for beautiful," she said. "America has beautiful water, beautiful land, beautiful mountains and beautiful sand."

Cody Brooks spoke on courage.

"'C' is for courage," he said. "The pioneers had courage to cross the plains. Those in the armed services have courage to stand up for what's right and fight for what they believe in, even if they die."

Between speeches, students sang patriotic songs, including "This Land is Your Land," "The Great Defenders" and "God Bless the USA."

Students talked about how "H," honor, means honoring America by obeying its laws. "I" for independence means independence from tyranny, and the preservation of religious and artistic freedom.

"'K' stands for king," said Kris Schutten. "The founding fathers wanted America to be a democracy, where there is no royalty, and the citizens have the right to choose their leader."

David Sando said "P" stood for patriotism.

"One way to be patriotic is to serve in the Armed Forces, to fight so we can live freely without fear," he said. "The Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force, we salute the Armed Forces!"

"Q" stood for quality of life.

"We are responsible to preserve our quality of life," said Emma Brennecke.

Caleb Demaranville said America's quality of life must be fought for.

"'V' is for victory," he said. "America has won many victorious battles that have kept the country free and independent."

Jordan Peters used "X," a difficult letter to match with a word, for extraordinary.

"America is extraordinary," he said. "Although simple in its plan, America provides freedom and hope for every man."