USAF … Lt. Col. Brad Luring speaks to Evergreen students about service, sacrifice, and his experiences in the United States Air Force.
PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
TAPS … Trumpeter Lissa Roesti performs Taps during Evergreen’s Veterans Day ceremony.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Evergreen Schools held their annual Veterans Day Assembly on Tuesday, November 11, at 9 a.m., bringing together students, staff, families, and community members to recognize and thank local veterans.
The EHS gymnasium was filled from the floor to the upper seating, with the bleachers packed with students who gathered to take part in the morning event.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Superintendent Eric J. Smola before members of AMVETS Post 7574 and Saint Mary’s Catholic War Vets Post 306 presented the colors.
Attendees were asked to stand as the flag entered the gym, with students reminded of the importance of honoring the flag whenever it passes in a ceremony, parade, football game, or other public event.
The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by the Evergreen High School Chorale, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by eighth-grade student council representatives Anna Stirn and Noelle Wulf.
Student leaders, district administrators, and staff were then recognized, along with the music instructors and art teachers responsible for the performances and displays featured throughout the event. Representatives from AMVETS, the Catholic War Vets, and their auxiliaries were also welcomed.
Evergreen High School Class Officers Lissa Roesti and Leah Overfield shared an overview of the meaning of Veterans Day, explaining the responsibilities of military service members and the freedoms Americans enjoy because of their sacrifice.
They spoke about the origins of the holiday in the years following World War I and described the symbolism of the red poppy, which was reflected in the large student-created art display positioned near the podium.
The Young Vikings Choir performed the song Grateful before Evergreen welcomed its guest speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Brad Luring of the United States Air Force. Luring, who previously taught at Evergreen, received a warm welcome from former colleagues, parents, and students.
Luring shared stories from his military career, beginning with his enlistment in 1994 and his early deployment to Prince Sultan Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia.
He spoke about the impact of September 11, the increased responsibilities and deployment cycles that followed, and his transition from enlisted airman to commissioned officer.
He described the realities of basic training, the challenges and rewards of serving alongside other branches of the Armed Forces, and the importance of physical readiness.
He also reflected on returning home from long overseas deployments and gaining a deeper appreciation for ordinary life in the United States.
Luring encouraged students to thank veterans when they meet them and to take the time to ask questions about their service, especially as the number of living World War II Veterans continues to decline.
Before returning to his seat, he led students in a small physical training demonstration, drawing laughter from the bleachers as everyone joined in.
Following Luring’s remarks, the eighth-grade band performed The Red, The White and The Blues. The middle school essay winner, seventh grader Emily Crockett, then delivered her piece on what Veterans Day means to her.
Next, the EHS Chorale presented the Armed Forces Salute, with veterans standing to be recognized as their branch song was performed.
Students from the fourth grade followed with the reading of their poem, Thank You Veterans, which was also printed in the event program.
National Honor Society President Lindsey Hendricks then led a moment of silence before Taps was performed by trumpeter Lissa Roesti.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dolores Swineford closed the ceremony by thanking veterans, students, staff, and volunteers for contributing to an event that continues to be a meaningful tradition for the Evergreen community.
Guests were invited to view the student art displays in the adjoining hallway before leaving the building.