For more than three decades, Broadwater Elementary School in Billings has gathered its students to sing heartfelt tributes to America’s veterans each Veterans Day. This year marks the final performance under the direction of longtime music teacher Ellie Creek, who has spent 33 years teaching children the patriotic songs that celebrate the men and women who have defended our nation.
Creek’s personal connection to service
Creek says her dedication to honoring veterans stems from stories passed down through her own family. “I learned from when I was very little of my mom telling me about how she felt and how her mother felt when she watched her four brothers go off to World War II,” she explained. Those memories of sacrifice and pride have guided her teaching philosophy: to ensure every student understands the value of respect for those who risk their lives for the country.
Students step up with song and reverence
On Veterans Day, the school’s hallways rang with the voices of fifth‑graders and fourth‑graders alike. Fifth‑grader Frankie Jensen summed up the sentiment simply: “They risk their lives for us and I think it’s really important that they’re here to watch.” The students performed classic American songs, while fourth‑graders learned about the historic poem “In Flanders Fields,” and fifth‑graders focused on the Missing Man Table, a solemn reminder of those who never returned home.
Veterans feel the gratitude
Local veterans who attended the ceremony reported feeling seen and appreciated. “My biggest goal is that the veterans feel like they have been appreciated and that the students give that to them,” Creek said, noting that the intergenerational exchange is a core part of the tradition. Fifth‑grader Brooks Blaskovich echoed the sentiment: “Veterans serve and risk their life to keep us safe. It’s important to our music teacher and it’s just important.”
Looking back, looking forward
Creek reflected on the lasting impact of the program. “It will be very sentimental, very heartfelt, very meaningful, and it’s a wonderful bunch of kids that I get to celebrate this with,” she said. While this year marks the end of her direct involvement, the tradition she helped build will continue to inspire future students at Broadwater and across Billings.
Community response
Parents, teachers, and community members praised Creek’s dedication. Many noted that the program not only teaches music but also instills a sense of civic responsibility and gratitude in the next generation. The school plans to keep the tribute alive, inviting other faculty members to carry forward the legacy of honoring veterans through song.
As Billings continues to grow, stories like Creek’s remind residents of the enduring values of patriotism, family, and faith that bind the community together.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
