On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Conestoga Jr/Sr High School hosted a Veterans Day Program in the gym for the community to partake in.
To start off the program, Conestoga FFA presented the Presentation of Color followed by the band playing the National Anthem. Students, staff and community members took time during the program to honor and recognize the Veterans who have served and those who have lost their lives serving.
Senior Jace T. presented the “What is Veteran’s Day” speech to all who attended. The history behind this day involves the ending of World War I, when the Armistice was signed; this day became known as Armistice Day. It wasn’t until 1954 where Armistice Day would be recognized as a national holiday called Veterans Day. “Fast forward to 1954, and something magical happened, President Dwight D. Eisenhower waved his presidential wand and transformed Armistice Day into Veterans Day.” says Jace T.
Throughout the program eight student speakers shared about what Veterans Day means to them, as well as guest speaker, Major General (retired) Michael Navrkal. Navrkal has had multiple leadership positions since his commissioning in 1981. He was the Commanding General of the 35th Infantry Division at Fort Leavenworth from Sept. 2013 to March 2016. This was a way for individuals to express their gratitude for Veterans by showing their own personal beliefs.
There was a lot of music sprinkled throughout this program. The 7-12 Band played the National Anthem at the beginning of the program and “The Washington Post Concert March,” followed with the 7-12 Choir singing, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”. The Band also played “America the Beautiful” and the 3rd graders sang “God Bless America”.
The Conestoga FFA shared the Folding of the Flag ceremony. The origin behind this folding ceremony is unknown but some sources credit it to the Gold Star Mothers of America while others from an Air Force chaplain stationed at the Air Force Academy. There are 13 folds for the flag and each fold has a different meaning or attribute relating to the founding of our country; like the first fold symbolizes life and the last fold reveals the stars, reminding the national motto, “In God We Trust”. The appearance of the flag is of a cocked hat, serving a reminder to the soldiers who fought to preserve the rights, privileges and freedoms enjoyed to this day.
To conclude this program, the Armed Forces Medley was played to honor members from each branch of the military. After the video, Conestoga FFA performed the Retiring of Colors followed with the performance of TAPS by band member Carter G. TAPS is played to signify the end of a day. It is also played during military funerals and memorial services. After the program, community members were able to go to the commons to see the little museum with Veteran related things as well as to be served coffee and cake provided by Hy-Vee.
