The Veterans Day program was held at O-W Schools on Monday, November 11 with members of Owen American Legion Post #123, Lublin American Legion Post #547, Lublin American Legion Auxiliary Unit #547, Lublin SAL Post #547 and Thorp VFW Post #9057 in attendance. The program was prepared by the O-W High School Student Council.
Mason Gay and Jack Wendler acted as emcees for the program. The colors were presented and the high school band played “The Star Spangled Banner.” Cassidy Graski and Mason Gay gave some background information on the national anthem. This was followed by the band playing “The National Emblem March.”
Jack Wendler gave a history of Veterans Day. Everyone was then asked to observe a moment of silence.
Badger Boys Mason Gay and Mathew Wilson and Badger Girls Cassidy Graski, Angela Baures, and Geneva Capetillo spoke about their experiences. Mason said Badger Boys was created to help young men understand how government works. He was elected to a city office. Mathew said he learned a lot from losing the first position that he ran for but he was elected city treasurer. He said he learned how to work with other people. Cassidy said that Badger Girls is used to prepare high school girls for citizenship. She said that roommates belong to opposing parties. She was also elected to an office and participated in a physical activity group. Angela said that she learned about the multiple levels of government, including local, state and county. She met a lot of amazing people and learned that everybody has a place within our government. Geneva said that she initially chose to attend to improve her resume but she was surrounded by those who cared about their future. She learned about the journeys and dreams of others. Geneva said, “Even in tough situations, you can always find moments of joy and laughter.” She promised to use what she learned to make a positive impact on our country.
American Legion Post #547 presented a $500 donation to the school to purchase coats, caps and mittens for those who needed them.
“Blades of Grass/Pure White Stones” was sung by the Choir. An Armed Forces Medley was played with veterans and members of the audience rising when the military anthem was played for their branch of the armed forces or the branch of the armed forces that their family members served in.
Cassidy Graski then read a poem of thanks for veterans. The program ended with “Taps” played by Madi Mueller and Addie Hatlestad and the retirement of the colors.
Many of the veterans then traveled to the Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center (CCRLC). Megan Call welcomed everyone and music was played by Theresa Schindler. Hermann Klarr gave the invocation.
Patrick Pellett was the guest speaker. He works as an AODA counselor for Clark County. Pellett served in the Marine Corps from 1977-1980. He spoke about Armistice Day and the sacrifices of those who have served. Pellett talked about the promise to make those who have served whole. He served shortly after Vietnam. He has spent 41 years in recovery. He was sent to a naval hospital and credits the Marine Corps with saving his life. He thanked the veterans in attendance and their families.
Megan handed out certificates to the veterans who reside at CCRLC. Of the 36 veterans in residence, one was in the National Guard, 21 in the Army, six in the Marines, five in the Navy, and three in the Air Force. The “Armed Forces Medley” was played.
The program ended with a moment of silence and “Taps” was played by Madi Mueller and Addie Hatlestad.