|
|
Superintendent Chris Lindholm asked area veterans to stand to be recognized for their service when he called out the various branches of military. Staff photos Brian Larsen
The Veterans Day Celebration held at I.S.D. 166 was well attended and remarkable. From the opening Posting of Colors by American Legion Post 413 Color Guard to the patriotic songs performed by the middle school/ high school choir and second-grade class, the high school band with adults from the community joining in to play Stars and Stripes Forever, From Sea to Shining Sea and the Armed Forces—The Pride of America; to the recognition of area veterans and kind words from Principal Megan Myers and Superintendent Chris Lindholm culminating with the message(s) from keynote speaker Cook County Veterans Service Officer Karen Christianson.
It was indeed special.
In preparing, Christianson reached out to kids and asked them what they wanted to know about serving in the military, why someone would join, what someone could get for their service, etc.—taking those questions, she then reached out to her friends who have served or are still serving in various branches of the military, summoning their responses to the kids’ questions. It was quite engaging and kept the kids and audience riveted. A great job all around.
Dee Brazell and Brenda Schoepflin were two of many helpers at the veteran’s supper.
The celebration ended with Brayden Schmidt playing taps and the Retirement of Colors, followed later by a Veterans Day meal hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 413 at Birch Terrace restaurant.
Principal Megan Myers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Posting of the Colors was from L-R: Gordon Salisbury (Airforce), Sue Westerlind (Marines), Carrie Palmer (active-duty Air Force National Guard), Wayne Johnson (Navy), and Bob Mattson, Commander of American Legion Post 413 (Air Force).
Veteran’s Day Keynote speaker Karen Christianson
Many veterans and members of the public attended supper at Birch Terrace hosted by the Legion’s Auxiliary.
Leave a Reply