WLB students learn more in Veterans Day Ceremony

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[November 16, 2016]  LINCOLN - Students from West Lincoln-Broadwell waved paper flags and cheered for the veterans who joined them for a celebration on Thursday afternoon. The students wanted to share a special thank you to the veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Principal Heather Baker started the afternoon by welcoming the guests of honor and thanking everyone for coming.

Gary Liesman (Aviation Airman, Navy, Vietnam) played the "Bugler’s Reveille" as fellow veterans stood at attention. Patrick McCraith presented the American flag and the entire assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

With hands over their hearts, some students listened attentively to the Star-Spangled Banner while others sang along to the recording being played.

Wayne Schrader (Adjunct American Legion 263, Sergeant, Army, Korean Conflict) then spoke to the assembly:

"Fighting for World War I ended on November 11, 1918; the eleventh hour of the day of the eleventh month. In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veteran’s Day Proclamation. With the approval of this legislation, November 11th became a legal holiday to honor American veterans of all wars.

“Veterans Day is set aside to “give thanks, salute, support and honor our Veterans. Remember, Young-ins, freedom is never free.” The flag is a material symbol of our freedom. We must remember to thank veterans for their bravery and dedication and freedom, peace and democracy for all."

Mr. Schrader concluded, “God Bless America!” as the children and veterans applauded.

Mrs. Baker ended the assembly with a presentation of homemade cards for Mr. Schrader to take back to the American Legion and hand out as he thought appropriate.

Students left the gymnasium to go to different stations set up around the school. Students finger painted a flag, did chalk drawings of stars on the sidewalk, learned of flag etiquette.

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The students also listened to Veteran’s Bob Meinershagen, Roger Reynolds, Angela Gaddy, Gary Liesman, Joe Schaler, Earl Velcher, and others give presentations about their experiences as soldiers.

The students also practiced military physical training with Chris Beard and Casey Lore.

Because soldiers of all ages must take care of themselves, a healthy snack was provided by Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital's Coordinated Approach To Child Health 'CATCH' team. CATCH is a proven program to prevent childhood obesity and launch kids towards healthier lifestyles.

Faculty and staff at West Lincoln-Broadwell didn’t want the students to think of Veterans Day as just another day off from school. Instead, they wanted to impress on students the importance of thanking the men and women who left their homes and families to defend our freedom. Today the students remembered to thank, salute, support, and honor those past and present who have served our country.

[Lisa Ramlow]

 

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