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 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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