The Veterans Day program was held at O-W Schools on Tuesday, November 11 with members of American Legion Post #123, Owen, 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.
Sam Wells and Colton Paczkowski acted as emcees for the program. Music by the O-W Choir and O-W High School Band was pre-recorded due to the number of students gone to a conference.
The colors were presented and after the recording of “The Star Spangled Banner” was played, Sam and Colton gave some background information on the national anthem. Francis Scott Key wrote the words describing America as “The land of the free and the home of the brave over 200 years ago.” They said these words are as true today as they were then. Key died in 1843, but by the 1850s, his word appeared in school history books. It was used as a war anthem by both sides during the Civil War. It was made the official anthem of the armed forces in 1916 and the national anthem in 1931. This was followed by the band playing “The Washington Post March.”
Essays written by McKinley Mueller and Dale Nicpon were read. They were the winners of an essay contest celebrating 250 years of our country.
Sam and Colton thanked the veterans. The “Armed Forces Medley” recording was played, with those who had served in various branches of the service and anyone who had someone that served in the various branches of the service standing as the anthem for that branch of the military was played. Flags for each branch of the military were also placed.
Colton then read a poem about Veterans Day.
A day to honor those who have served, given so much for so little
Who poured out their blood, sweat, and tears to protect our freedom
A grateful nation and her people
As one voice, we thank you.
Badger Boy Colton Paczkowski and Badger Girl Lilli Stinson said a few words on their experience.
A recording of “America the Beautiful” sung by the O-W Choir was played.
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 and Mary Gelhaus.
Hermann Klarr gave the invocation. He was also the guest speaker. He enlisted in the Air Force Reserve as a Chaplain’s Assistant in 2001. He continues to serve as a Chaplain. Klarr spoke about his experiences talking to veterans from those just starting out to those retiring after 30 years in the military. He said they all have a desire to serve. He has never been overseas, but has talked to veterans about their combat experience. He said those in support roles also serve an important function. His job as a chaplain is to help them work through the things they have seen and done. Klarr said we still see wars and conflicts. He spoke of a 100-year-old veteran in Britain who said because of how Britain is today, the sacrifice was not worth it. Klarr said not to focus on the politics, but to stand up for freedom, justice, and the Constitution. He said we should all do that peacefully in our own corner of the world. Klarr asked everyone to think about why veterans served. He said they did it for us. Klarr said we may not make the world better but we can make our corner of the world better.
There are 36 veterans who are residents at CCRLC and also some staff members. Of the 36 veterans in residence, 26 were in the Army, five in the Marines, three in the Navy, and two in the Air Force. The “Armed Forces Medley” was played.
The program ended with “Taps” was played by Madi Mueller and Addie Hatlestad.