Pierce High Holds Annual Veteran’s Day Program
by Addison Sporleder
On November 11, at 10:15 a.m. Pierce High honored all veterans and active duty military personnel with the annual Veteran’s Day program.
The American Legion and Auxiliary started with the colors in place. Following that, Vicar Chad Berg from Zion Lutheran Church gave an invocation to all who attended. Rick Sirek, Master of Ceremonies, welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming.
Continuing on, the Pierce High band, under the direction of Michael Sindt, played the National Anthem. The Pierce High choir performed “In Flanders Fields,” directed by Amy Barnhill and accompanied by Celine Fehringer.
Moving on, Cornhusker Girls State representative Larissa Meier and Boys State representative Kelton Anderson spoke together about the history of Veteran’s Day. Due to coronavirus, boys state was cancelled and girls state was held via zoom.
Meier commented on the speech she gave, “I found the history of Veteran’s Day interesting, and Kelton and I also wanted to say thank you to veterans who were willing to sacrifice their lives.”
Lt. Colonel Mike Homan gave the Veteran’s Day address. Right after, the Legion baseball players did the Parade of Flags. Sirek proceeded with the roll call of departed veterans, and seniors Alexus Sindelar and Taylor Compton played “Taps” on their trumpets to honor all of the veterans.
Quilts of Valor were then presented by sisters, Emily and Natalie Endorf, who handmade the quilts. Veteran brothers, Mike Homan and Al Homan, received the quilts for their service to our country. Al resides in Pierce with his family.
The band played “Service Songs,” which is specialized for each branch of the military. To wrap up the program, Vicar Chad Berg closed with the benediction.
Veteran and band director Mr. Michael Sindt stated, “The program is a great reminder to me of the sacrifices that are made by people who serve whether it is the time away from family, emotional and mental, or dying in the line of duty. The Service Songs are kind of like the fight songs for each branch of the military and stir up pride in military personnel.”
Pierce High thanks everyone who came to honor all veterans and active duty personnel for their service.