Veterans Day Celebrated
November 11, 2009
by Karla Daehling
November 11, 2009
Veterans Day was celebrated at Sterling Public School, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 in the school gymnasium. The program began with a social time in the school cafeteria from 9 - 9:45 a.m., which was attended by members of the community, guest, area veterans, along with the Sterling American Legion Post 140 and the Sterling American Legion Auxiliary. Displays of military memorabilia and uniforms as well as student posters were viewed. Cookies and refreshments were served. The program followed at 9:45 a.m. with students and staff joining in for the presentation.
The Presentation of Colors was given by the Sterling American Legion Post 140 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Boldt. The 5th grade class sang the "Star Spangled Banner" accompanied by Emily K., Jessica H., Reba H. & Hope J. and directed by Mr. Raetz. Mr. Boldt opened the ceremony and the Sterling High School Choir sang "America the Beautiful", directed by Mrs. LeMunyan.
Ruth Hietbrink, president of the Sterling American Legion Auxiliary, presented a video created by Doug Mahoney, which demonstrated the dignified flag disposal ceremony carried out by the Sterling American Legion Post 140. Trivia questions from Mrs. Hietbrink about Veterans Day were answered by individual students and rewarded with a candy bars. Mrs. Hietbrink presented an award to all Sterling American Legion Post 140 members, past and present, for their faithful service to our country and being true heroes.
Click on the picture to view more.
Clarence Hupka, one of the 317 survivors of the USS Indianapolis.CDR Joel A. Merriman, United States Navy, Navy Emergency Preparedness Officer to the State of Nebraska, gave the Veterans Day address. CDR Merriman shared with the audience the various "hats" he had worn during his service to our country and the places he was stationed at. He also displayed an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) consisting of a complete compressed meal with condiments and drink which all fit in a small plastic container. CDR Merriman concluded his speech with a poem he had written called "The Patriotic Fool".
Mrs Weyers announced the winners of the student essay contest, "What is My Patriotic Role as a U.S. Citizen?" Winners received a cash prize donated by the Sterling American Legion Auxiliary and each student read their essay during the program. Winners were: Morgan H. -Gr. 3 & 4th division, Erika E. -Gr. 5 & 6 division, Tara H. -Gr. 7 & 8 division, Trevor H. -Gr. 9 & 10 division and Jessica C. -Gr. 11 & 12 division. Congratulations to the winners and all students who did a wonderful job in writing and presenting their views on patriotism.
The program proceeded with the fifth grade class singing, "America", directed by Mr. Raetz. Melody of Military Songs, "Anthems of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force were played and represented by having each veteran stand during their particular service song. Laura S. (foreign exchange student from Germany), accompanied by Marj Hagstrom, sang "Have You Forgotten", Darryl Worley's 9/11-themed call to battle song. Principal Peterson gave the closing remarks followed by the Taps & Echo played by Derek J. & Jesse P. The program concluded with the Retiring of Colors by the Sterling American Legion Post 140.
A special thanks to Mrs. Weyers, Mr. Boldt and Mr. Peterson for putting together a wonderful program, to the Sterling American Legion Post 140 and the Sterling American Legion Auxiliary . Thanks also to the students who volunteered and performed during the program and everyone who helped make the program a huge success!
(Click HERE to read about Clarence Hupka and his experience on the USS Indianapolis, the worst navel disaster in US history with only 317 survivors.)
