'Today we put veterans first'
Posted on: Nov 12, 2018
Students, staff and community members broke from their usual routines on Monday, Nov. 12, to observe Veterans Day with the annual program at Delano High School.
“No matter what branch you served in, whether you were peace time or war time, whatever your job path or how many years you served, raising your hand and committing yourself to service in the military was a brave and selfless act,” said Jeremy Christenson, First Vice Commander of the Delano Legion.
The program included an address by Sgt. First Class Patrick Holland, a U.S. Army Reserve recruiter, who told the story of how one man gave his life to extinguish a blaze and prevent the explosion of an ammunition magazine aboard the U.S.S. Fletcher during World War II. In doing so, that sailor likely saved the life of Holland’s grandfather.
“So when I think of Veterans Day, I don’t only think of the freedoms that have been bestowed upon this country, but also the very lives [that] my mom, my children and I nearly never got to live,” Holland said.
Holland said service to country can take many different forms, and doesn’t require one to wear a uniform, though military service can be a great source of pride and includes many benefits.
“Here is what I believe everyone’s responsibility is, whether or not you decide to wear the uniform,” Holland said. “Be the very best that you can be. This country did not get to where it is today by just the men and women in uniform. It also took sacrifices and hard work from the civilians of this country to support those in uniform.”
Other highlights of the event included the singing of the national anthem by Autumn Langdon, a performance by the DHS Wind Ensemble, and recognition of Boys and Girls State participants, the American Legion baseball team, and essay contest winners.
Boys and Girls State participants included Andrew Betzler, Trent Peterson, Anna Blonigen, Megan Bruzek and Alexis Oldenburg.
Essay contest entrants wrote on the theme, “On Veterans Day, What Does Sacrifice Mean to Me?” Winners were Chloe Holman, Michelle Tormanen and Hannah Nellis, with Holman named the overall winner.
“Because of their selflessness, I have the right to express my beliefs freely, can practice my religion, and can live my lifestyle without the threat of persecution,” Holman wrote. “I am granted the privilege of being an individual. It is important to acknowledge and express our gratitude towards those who have provided us with these individual rights and freedoms.”
Holman also noted that it was the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, and reminded the audience that challenges encountered by service members are not limited to the battlefield. Instead, they continue through issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“For many veterans, their worlds have been shaken forever,” she said.
After recognition of veterans from each branch of service, Christenson closed the program.
“Remember, veterans always put us and America first,” he said. “Today we put veterans first.”
Post Categories: High School