Students honor Veterans

Local students did an amazing job last week hosting Veteran's Day programs in both Whitehall and Cardwell.

The Whitehall program began with an introduction from U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Jeremy Bright, who discussed Veteran's Day and giving tribute to those who served before as well as honoring those who gave the Ultimate Sacrifice.

WHS Student Council President Ryan Murphy then gave those in attendance a history of the Tribute or Buddy Poppy, stating it honors the dead by honoring the living. After a performance of "In Flanders Fields" by the middle and high school choir, the Whitehall fifth-grade class gave a presentation on the "13 Folds of the U.S. Flag." During the presentation, Whitehall Veterans folded the Flag.

A slide show roll call of Veterans was shown to those in attendance, followed by the playing of "Taps" by Marta Nelson. The middle school and high school band then played the "Marches of the Armed Forces".

Local Veterans took time at the end of the ceremony to honor Whitehall Musical Director Janet Heilig for putting together the performance on a yearly basis.

In the final remarks of the program, Whitehall K-5 Principal Britt McLean thanked the Veterans in attendance. McLean said without their past and continued service, our freedom and liberties would be in jeopardy.

The program in Cardwell began with the Pledge of Allegiance, and was followed by the performance of "America (My Country 'Tis of Thee) by kindergarten, first, and second grade students. All Veterans in attendance were then introduced.

Following a performance from third to eighth graders, third and fourth graders read poems they wrote for program. The fifth and sixth graders then read thank you letters, which was followed by individual writing projects.

The program concluded with students singing "We Still Stand".