The Paton-Churdan gymnasium was full Tuesday morning for the school’s annual Veterans Day program. Honored guests were about two dozen veterans, most of them members of American Legion Edward English Post 198 of Churdan.
As is tradition, the high school choir sang the National Anthem and the kindergarten class led the Pledge of Allegiance. All elementary students participated, either singing or presenting ‘thank you’ messages to the veterans. The fifth grade class put on a short skit and read a poem.
The fourth grade class sang “God Bless America” with music teacher Shannon Hobbs directing.
Student council president Jacob Bundt served as master of ceremonies. He and Garion Consier told of their experience at Boys State last June. Student council members presented the veterans with yellow roses.
Guest speakers were John Lonergan, adjutant of Post 198, and MSG Larry Blake,
Lonergan thanked the school for its efforts to bring the school for hosting the event. “They do a great job of bringing the school and the community together,” he said. He thanked the community for its support of the post’s activities and the teachers for talking with students about the meaning of military service.
Lonergan introduced Clare Hunter as the oldest veteran present and the longest membership in the American Legion at 66 years. He also recognized Duane Young for 65 years as a member and Don McCormick for 64 years. Post commander Duane Towers, Paul Schmitt, Pat Cassidy all have been members for 60 years.
Blake is commander of American Legion Floyd Brown Post 11 of Jefferson and serves in the 133rd Test Squadron of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing.
He told the students that currently 1 percent of the US population is serving in the military, and he expects that number to decrease. “I can speak for all the veterans here when I say that we truly appreciate all the effort you put into this,” he said about the annual program.
“It’s not a calling for everybody,” he said about military service,” noting that currently about 1 percent of the country’s population is in the military and he expects that number to decrease. “At some point if you feel it in your heart to join the military, please do so. And if you don’t, then get solidly behind those that do and help them where you can,” he said.
Special music was provided by vocalist Amanda Helms, accompanied by Renaye Lindgren. Garion Consier played taps at the close of the program.
