By Zach Jensen,
About 18.1 million United States Armed Forces veterans live in the world today, according to the Pew Research Center, and Winneshiek County’s communities and schools plan to honor those men and women through various Veterans Day programs.
VFW Post 1977
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1977 of Decorah has a busy Veterans Day planned. The local VFW post will start its day with its traditional Veterans Day breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 11 in the Decorah High School cafeteria, which will be followed by the school district’s program at 9:45 a.m. in the high school auditorium.
The post’s color guard will then participate in the Decorah Middle School’s program at 1:15 p.m., and at 3 p.m. a Quilts of Valor presentation will be held at the All Vets Club at 104 State St. in Decorah.
The Lynch Family Foundation will host its annual Veterans Day dinner beginning at 4 p.m. at the new Winneshiek County Fairgrounds Community Building. Approximately 800 veterans were fed last year. All vets and their significant others may eat at no charge during the annual event, and about 60 meals are expected to be delivered to veterans who are homebound. For more information, call the All Vets Club at 563-382-5232.
Decorah Community Schools
Decorah High School will host a Veterans Day breakfast and program for veterans and their families on Monday, Nov. 11. Coffee will be served at 7:30 a.m. in the high school cafeteria, and breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m.
The Veterans Day program will be held at 9:45 a.m. in the high school auditorium. VFW Post 1977’s color guard will post the colors, and the DHS Wind Ensemble and DHS Concert Choir will perform throughout the program. Parking will be available in the lot on the west side of the high school. Veterans and their family members can enter through either the auditorium doors or the doors off the west parking lot.
“Living in the United States, we are privileged to enjoy freedoms that many around the world do not,” said Decorah High School principal Brad Hurst, reflecting on the meaning of Veterans Day. “These freedoms are safeguarded by the sacrifices of veterans who have defended them and the soldiers, active-duty service members and reservists who continue to uphold them. Veterans Day holds special meaning for me because of my father, who served in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam. The values he gained through his service — hard work, resilience and discipline — not only shaped his own life but were qualities he instilled in us, his children.”
Hurst said the high school’s Veteran’s Day breakfast and program offer students an opportunity to reflect “on the significance of service” and veterans’ dedication to a cause greater than themselves.
“We hope they come to recognize the profound value of serving others,” said Hurst. “Our veterans, active-duty service members and reservists have devoted the prime years of their lives to protecting and serving — often setting aside their dreams to safeguard ours. They embody the values that define our nation’s strength and remind us that our freedoms have been earned and continue to be fought for. By coming together in respect and gratitude, we honor their sacrifices and those of our current service members — embracing the principles that define our nation. In doing so, we aim to inspire students to carry these values forward in their own lives.”
Dana Bockman, DCSD associate elementary principal, said that while the Decorah Elementary School doesn’t hold its own program, Carrie Lee students create a large display in the school’s cafeteria in honor of veterans, while third and fourth grade students and CLE staff provide pictures and information about their loved ones for this display. The display is already up for students and visitors to see, Bockman said.
Decorah Middle School Principal Justin Albers said the school will host coffee and dessert from 1:15-2 p.m. with a Veterans Day program from 2:15-3 p.m.
South Winneshiek Community School District
South Winneshiek High School will host its annual Veterans Day assembly at 10:15 a.m. Nov. 11 in the high school gymnasium. District librarian Glenna Munuswamy said local veterans will be recognized, and there will be a presentation of quilts by Decorah Quilts of Valor. The South Winneshiek choir and band will also perform patriotic music. Veterans are invited to the high school cafeteria at 9 a.m. for coffee and rolls.
“Veteran’s Day is an important time to acknowledge those veterans and families living in our communities who have sacrificed for our country’s safety and wellbeing,” said South Winneshiek High School Principal Brennan Williams. “I think we as a society lose sight of acknowledging those who serve in the military and return to our communities. Opening up the school for a recognition opportunity is the least we can do for what they have done for us.”
Williams said the school’s Veterans Day program gives students an opportunity for a personal connection with veterans as they meet be face to face, shake their hands and thank them for their sacrifices.
Turkey Valley Community School District
Turkey Valley held its Veterans Day program on Nov. 6, and Michelle Hoy, the district’s principal, said the program was an opportunity for reflection, respect and gratitude.
“Honoring Veteran’s Day allows our school to recognize the incredible sacrifices made by those who have served in the military in order to protect our freedoms,” she said. “What a great opportunity to show pause and remember the courage of our veterans as they deserve to be acknowledged for their service. In our school community, honoring this day helps connect students with not only our country’s history but also the veterans specifically in our communities. It’s a fantastic way to teach them to appreciate the values of service, courage and dedication that veterans exemplify.”
Hoy said the ceremony can help students learn how individual actions and sacrifices can make a difference.
“Veteran’s Day is so much more than a history lesson,” she said. “We hope that, through honoring our local veterans, our students see a personal connection and come to appreciate the responsibilities that come with freedom and feel inspired to contribute positively to their communities.”
Waukon events
More than 25 veterans will be honored during a program at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at AJ’s Steakhouse in Waukon. Additionally, a potluck dinner honoring Veterans Day and the birthday of the United States Marine Corp will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at the local Farm Bureau, 14 First Ave. NE in Waukon. For more information on either of these events, call 563-568-5275.
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