OSMOND — Osmond veterans, school students and staff, and local residents came together on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Osmond Community School to celebrate Veterans Day.
Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7838 and American Legion Post 326 and their auxiliaries, and the members of the Sons of the American Legion entered the gym to “Royal Processional” played by the Os- mond junior/senior high school band, directed by Christalin Ginn.
Following the playing of “Star-Spangled Banner,” elementary students led the audience in repeating the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the invocation by Rev. Brian Tuma of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Osmond Community School high school Principal Kurt Polt introduced the winner of this year’s Voice of Democracy contest, Ad- dison Miller. Addison spoke about patriotism and showing support for our country, and the different ways to show patriotism, including volunteering in the community and following the laws. She concluded by challenging others to show patriotism.
The junior-senior high chorus then sang “America The Beauti- ful," after which VFW Com -
mander Dan Wieneke introduced the day's speaker, Dan Kuester.
Kuester began by telling the story of how his military journey began: He was sitting in study hall, about to shoot a spitball, when he saw a Navy recruiter walking down the hallway. A week after graduation, he enlisted in the Navy. He added that every veteran who was there had a story like his.
Kuester said he served four years in the Navy, but didn't like being away from his family for long stretches of time, so after that four-year stint, he enlisted in the Army. One of the places where he was stationed was at the Old Guard in Arlington, VA, which is right near Arlington National Cemetery. He spoke about the soldiers who hold vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and encouraged everyone to visit Arlington Cemetery.
Following Kuester’s address, the 7-12 band performed “United States Armed Forces Salute,” while Shannon Wiseley announced each branch of the service as their song was played, and members of that group stood to be recognized. This was followed by the fourth through sixth grade students singing “On Veterans Day.”
The program concluded with the benediction by Rev. Tuma, fol- lowed by retiring of The Colors as the band played "Military Escort."
Veterans, spouses and auxiliary
Speaker Dan Kuester members were treated to a meal following the program. As they walked through the hallway, students waved flags and thanked them for their service. See more pictures from Veterans Day on Page 6 of this issue.
