Area Schools and Students Salute Veterans

A number of schools saluted veterans, past and present, at ceremonies throughout our area Monday.

At Effingham High School, the Multi Media, Social Studies, Speech and Music departments combined to present a multi-media tribute. Some 90 EHS students took part in the hour-long presentation that featured video clips, excerpts from letters to and from the homefront and battlefield, vocal and instrumental music, and a patriotic tableaux done entirely in silhouette. Students and the public present learned the meaning of the colors and elements of the US flag and the folds that are a part of every flag-folding ceremony.

(A GROUP OF E-H-S STUDENTS HONORED AMERICA WITH THE SINGING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM)

One of the many students who took part in the ceremony, Maddy Field, said it was an opportunity to thank veterans and give back to them since they've given so much to us.

(E-H-S STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN A FLAG-FOLDING CEREMONY)

EHS teacher Jim Hammer originated the Veterans Day cermonies in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Hammer said the ceremonies commemorating efforts by veterans remember "ordinary people who did extraordinary things" in service of their country.

At Central Grade School, our Doc Kralman led their annual Veterans Day observance. Effingham VFW Post #1769 presented the colors, veterans from different eras were honored and fifth graders sang following Doc's remarks. A video was shown at the close of the ceremony with remarks from students and photos of the veterans that visited their classrooms recently.

Members of Effingham's VFW Post #1769 during Doc Kralman's opening adress at Central Grade School's Veterans Day observance

Other ceremonies were scheduled Monday at St. Anthony Grade School and Beecher City schools, as well as others in the area.