O H Schultz Elementary School in Mishicot recognizes Veterans Day.
Students, staff, and veterans gather in the school’s gymnasium for a celebration to honor those who served and those currently serving today.
3rd Grade Teacher Roger Booth emceed the event as all branches of the U.S. Military were recognized, but there was a special recognition of the 250th anniversaries of the U.S Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
Booth told the crowd that from the Revolutionary War to the beaches of Normandy during WWII, and the mountains of Afghanistan to serving aid where needed, they’ve continued on a proud legacy.
He stated, “They have served with honor, courage, and an unbreakable devotion to one another and to the ideals of the United States.”
But Booth says Veterans Day is not just about history, it’s about saying we see you, we thank you, and we will never forget what you’ve done for us.
After his speech, Veterans were handed the mic to state their names and the military branch they have served or are serving in.
“James Renier, Army, Vietnam, 69-70,” one person announced.
Another veteran said, “Tim Baldwin, United States Navy, 1972-1978, Little Creek, Virginia and other parts of the world.” A third said “Rick Mrotek, United States Marine Corp, 1973-1977. Okinawa, The Philippines, Vietnam, Iwo Jima.”
After the song You Can’t Spell Hero Without Her by Coffey Anderson was played, 5th graders from Ms. Haag’s classroom read essays about what Veterans Day means to them.
One student spoke about his Uncle John, a lieutenant cornel who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The student’s uncle also is dealing with PTSD and another injury.
But instead of doing work on the battlefield, Uncle John does work teaching in schools.
“My Uncle John has showed me that I can keep being persistent,” the student said. “That he didn’t let PTSD, or a traumatic brain injury, or even his friend dying, keep himself from completing his true mission, protecting the one’s that he loves.”
5th graders also did a flag folder ceremony explaining what each of the 13 folds means before the flag is seen as a triangle displaying the stars.
Booth then explained that over $1,400 has been collected for Old Glory Honor Flight, which sends veterans to Washington D.C. to see the war memorials.
Some of the money comes from the 7th and 8th grade football teams.
The students at O.H. Schultz Elementary School eventually ended the celebration with a singing of each of the U.S. Militaries songs before thanking each veteran in attendance through song.
On display outside of the ceremony were uniforms, pictures, and documents from past wars.
