WARM WELCOME … Edgerton third graders lined the sidewalks to welcome veterans as they entered the 2025 Veterans’ Day Celebration.
HIGH ENERGY … Elementary students of Edgerton were energetic with their spirited performance of classic American tunes and theme songs.
GUEST SPEAKER … Williams County Sheriff and Army Veteran Thomas Kochert gave an exemplary speech on his history of service.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Edgerton High School gymnasium was filled with pride, gratitude, and reflection on Friday morning, November 7, 2025, as students and community members gathered for the annual Veterans Day Celebration.
The event opened with prelude piano music by EHS Junior Logan Samper, who played classic American tunes as guests settled in. At 9:00 a.m., members of the John D. Smith American Legion Post #10 presented the colors and set a reverent tone for the rest of the assembly.
A performance of the National Anthem by the Edgerton High School Band followed. Superintendent Dr. Ben Wilhelm welcomed guests, acknowledging the veterans, families, and community that continues to demonstrate courage and service.
His message emphasized the importance of honoring not only the history of military service but also the personal stories that make each veteran’s journey unique.
Wilhelm continued forward with the reading and honoring of Edgerton High School graduates who were military veterans.
Throughout the morning, students across grades, including the elementary, middle, and high school choirs and bands, performed traditional American songs. This included fun and spirited songs like The Yankee Doodle Boy and the theme songs of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
The special guest speaker for the morning was U.S. Army Veteran and Williams County Sheriff Thomas Kochert, who spoke on his experiences and the meaning of service.
He shared stories of his past in basic training, his experience in “falling in line with the yellow footprints on the tarmac,” and the character qualities he sees exemplified in Edgerton students.
“When I came in this morning, I saw the school had some core values of excellence, leadership, and service,” Kochert began. “Those little yellow footprints taught each of us, in every branch of service: honor, loyalty, excellence, leadership, and service.
“To stand here in this spot, thereby holding the line, you may not have yellow footprints here. But you do have those values.
“Veterans know what those core values are, and a veteran knows that his spot is the most important spot and being a part of something so much bigger than yourself is the most important thing.
“All the service, the excellence in all that we strive to do, leadership – especially where there is none, is exactly what a veteran stands for. Ask your local veterans about those little yellow boot prints – and just how special they are.”
A final performance of Taps was conducted by Mr. Jason Zumbaugh, Edgerton Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, and the 2025 Edgerton School Veteran service concluded.