Kinnikinnick Veterans Day Assembly Pays Tribute to Vets

By Jean Seegers, REPORTER

 A Veterans Day Assembly is a time-honored tradition for the children and teachers at Kinnikinnick School. This year the event was held on Thursday, Nov. 10. Coincidentally, Nov. 10, is also the anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corp.  President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Nov. 11, as Veterans Day in 1954. The tribute to Veterans began with the Presentation of Colors by members of the Roscoe VFW Color Guard. Kinnikinnick teachers, Mrs. LaBuy and Mr. Ralston, led the audience in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and explained the meaning of each phrase. Retired Army Master Sergeant Lanny Wong was the guest speaker. Wong began his Army career in 1971, as an active duty paratrooper. He then joined the reserves and served for 30 years as a medic. Wong answered student’s questions and related his experiences as a soldier.

A history and recognition of POW (Prisoner of War) and MIA (Missing in Action) was explained by teacher Kyle Keever. Fifth grade winners of the “Freedom Writers” contest, Gabrielle Aarvig, Timothy Laird, Lauren Yeager and Erika Stenson read their poems and essays. Veterans from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard stood and were recognized for their service as their anthems were played. The entire student body ended the program by singing “God Bless the U.S.A,” a patriotic song written and sung by Lee Greenwood.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The Veterans Day Assembly was coordinated by teacher Lindsey Stock.

JEAN SEEGERS, PHOTO – The Herald.
Timothy Laird, Gabrielle Aarvig, Lauren Yeager and Erika Stinson were the winners of the “Freedom Writers” Award at Kinnikinnick School. Those who entered the contest wrote essays, poems, letters or articles about patriotism and tributes to Veterans and the military.