Veterans Day Program
November 12, 2007
By Sandy Weyers
October 24, 2007
Sterling Public School
Veterans Day Program
Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:15 p.m.
Sterling Public School and the Character Ed. Committee held their Veterans Day program, Monday, November 12, 2007, in honor of Sterling area veterans for their dedicated service to their country. Pictures and memorabilia from the local veterans of Sterling were displayed for everyone to view. During the day the students toured the Army National Guard simulator.
The 5th grade class welcomed everyone with their own version of a cadence drill. The Sterling American Legion Post #140 presented the colors, followed by the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance led by 6th grade teacher Luke Boldt. The Sterling High School Band, directed by Mrs. Lindsey LeMunyan, played the “National Anthem” and God Bless America. Mrs. Donna Saathoff, member of the Sterling Ladies Auxiliary, presented a sixty year membership award to Rosalene Mueller. She then introduced the Junior Auxiliary members and opened the floor for a panel discussion with past and present military members. The panelists included Merlin Saathoff-Korean War, Ed Heiden-Vietnam War, Ben Weyers-Iraq Freedom, Dave Schuster-World War II, and Robert Salomons-World War II. Some questions were; What was it like to be in the military?, What is basic training like?, What kind of food did you eat?, What did you do for entertainment?, etc. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Scott McKinney of the Nebraska Army National Guard gave a Veterans Day speech about the purpose of Veterans Day.
Winners of the “America—Home of the Brave, Land that I Love” essay were announced by Mrs. Sandy Weyers. Winners were:
5th grade 1st – Ben Logston, 2nd –Matt Henke, and 3rd –Meri Hietbrink.
6th grade 1st –Kody Benson, 2nd –Erin McFee, and 3rd –Stasia Nelson.
7th –grade 1st –Michael Lucas, 2nd –Jenna Nieveen, and 3rd –Ryan Zulhke.
8th grade 1st –Jenna Elson, 2nd –Emily Keim, and 3rd –Ashley Dolbow.
The Sterling Ladies Auxiliary chose two of these essays to send on to the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Nationals Americanism Essay Contest. Five division winners will be given $100 and National winners will receive $500 and a citation plaque. This year Ben Logston and Michael Lucas were chosen to have their essays sent to the national competition. Congratulations!
The program continued with the elementary students, directed by Mr. Stan Raetz, singing “America”. The Army Band from the Nebraska Army National Guard, under the direction of CWS Jeffrey M. Klintberg, Mr. Brian Anderson, and Mr. Dick Marolf, played “Armed Forces on Parade”. Principle Greg Peterson gave the closing remarks followed by the taps and echo performed by Kelsi Lowmack and Austin Magill. Sterling American Legion Post #140 concluded the program with the Retiring of Colors.
A special “Thank You” to TSgt Shannon Nielsen and the
Character Ed. Committee of Sterling Public School.
Thanks also to all those who brought in
pictures and information to share with everyone.
