Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this feature. MHS American Government Teacher Brian Bartoz supplied the photos and commentary.
It did not occur on Veterans Day. It was not a ceremony that had been performed on any consistent basis. It was, however, an event that will remain a memory for many veterans and those currently serving in the military.
Lindsey stated, “A special Thank You is extended by this veteran to Brian Bartoz and Josh Robbins and the Morrison High School, for the recognition of the sacrifices of the military members and [shar]ing their contributions with the youth of Morrison.”
Social Studies Teacher Josh Robbins served as the Master of Ceremonies. He, American Government teacher Brian Bartoz, Agricultural Education teacher Gabrielle McCormick, and Choir Teacher Dylan Hinrichs, planned the assembly. The Auditorium provided an ideal backdrop. Scheduling it on Friday, November 12, minimized conflicts with long-established Veterans Day events in Morrison and other communities.
The school offered lunch to any-and-all, current-and-past members of the military. The invitation was accepted by 20 local veterans and four active-duty personnel. It was served by the Morrison Future Farmers of America chapter.
Vets had time to recall service memories and reconnect by lighthearted conversation, prior to the march onto the Auditorium stage. The Morrison student body had gathered in recognition.
The Morrison Choir performed The National Anthem. Later they sang “America the Beautiful” after recognition of new recruits. Interim Choral Instructor Dylan Hinrichs sang “I Will Carry You.”
Symbolizing an active-duty head count, the “Roll Call” by American Legion Post 328 Commander Larry Zuidema recognized attendees by name, rank, and service affiliate. He spoke about the Post’s primary activities; then he addressed the audience.
A video by U. S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), was presented, prior to the introduction of Keynote Speaker Marine Corps Colonel (Retired) Jim Prombo, at the podium. He used humor and connected with students during his Keynote Address, about the meaning of Veterans Day and the service rendered by America’s veterans. Through engaging storytelling, Prombo referenced the rivalries that exist between the Marines and other branches of the Armed Forces, based on each branch’s pride in its commitment to defending the United States of America.
Trumpet music by Carolyn Aiken was a thread that united the different branches of service. First, she played the rousing “Reveille” to begin the event. She ended the ceremony playing “Taps.” Following was a moment of silence, to remember the many fallen who paid the ultimate price to preserve our Country’s freedom. Military Guests of Honor exited to Aiken’s trumpet sound of “Retreat” and the echoing of applause from the young audience.
Following the assembly, Alex Williams, a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, spoke with students in Josh Robbins’s U. S. History class. Williams discussed his work as a Communications Technician stationed in Europe. Communications networks he developed remain in use today. Post Commander Zuidema met with students in three classrooms. He discussed his service with the U. S. Army and fielded a few questions from students.
This day will remain a highlighted memory for those veterans in attendance.
