‘Reflection, appreciation, learning’ all part of Veterans Day program

Rice Lake Middle School once again hosted a Veterans Day program on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the school gym. It included remarks from the principal, music by the band and choir, words of thanks and refreshments by the student council, presentation of Honor Banners to veterans and their families, Patriot’s Pen essays, a rifle salute and a surprise $1,000 donation from the Golden K Club to the Rice Lake Honor Guard.

Middle School Principal Josh Tomesh gave a welcome address in which he, in part, said, “Veteran’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a time of reflection, appreciation, and learning. For our students, it’s an opportunity to understand that the liberty and peace we experience were secured through the selfless acts of countless individuals who put others before themselves. It’s also a chance for us to instill in our young people a deep sense of patriotism, gratitude, and respect for those who have served and continue to serve.”

Tomesh said, “May we remember that honoring our veterans isn’t just something we do once a year — it’s something we carry with us every day, in the way we treat one another, in the pride we take in our country, and in the service we give to our community.”

He called veterans “the heroes our students look up to” and said, “We are grateful for the example you set.”

The eighth-grade choir, under the direction of Seth Gudmunsen, performed “The Star Spangled Banner” and “One Voice, One Song.” The eighth-grade band, under directors Christina Lee and Adam Bever, performed “Marches of the Armed Force,” during which veterans stood for applause when their military song was performed. Eighth-grader Myles Schult performed both “To the Colors” at the program start and “Taps” at the program’s end.

Justine Bundgaard, with help from volunteers, distributed to veterans and/or their families each of the 22 Honor Banners that hung along the lakeshore between Memorial Day and Patriot Day on Sept. 11. She was then surprised with a plaque for her service to veterans by VFW Post Commander Randy Engness.

Student Council members Maddilyn Becker, Mackenzie Mommsen and Elsy Schmidt read a tribute to veterans called “Invisible Shield.”

VFW Essay Chairman Jim Garey announced the winners of the Patriot’s Pen essay contest. (See separate story).

Chaplain Monte Lewis offered both the invocation and benediction and just before the Rice Lake Honor Guard gave its 21-gun salute to fallen veterans, Terry Sharp of the Rice Lake Golden K Club presented the guard with $1,000 as the club’s way of giving back to the community and its veterans.