Ali Leaver plays "Taps'' as White Lake veterans stand honor guard to mark the opening of services at White Lake this morning. |
Veterans Day programs held today Nov. 11, 2009 Few other communities have given so much—and wear their patriotism so well—as White Lake.
Local veterans organizations gathered with schoolchildren and members of the community this morning to pay homage to the men and women of the area who have served the nation in times of war and peace.
It was one of numerous Veterans Day ceremonies throughout the area. Elcho and Antigo schools hosted programs and elementary students were also involved in flag-raisings and in-room tributes throughout the area.
White Lake opened a 90-minute program, certainly among the largest in the region, with Taps and a gun salute by members of the Anderson-Sather American Legion Post 524 and Wolf River Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9428, the local veterans’ organizations.
Spectators and students then filled the gymnasium for a program filled with patriotic messages and music.
“Veterans have proudly carried the torch for all to see,” Staff Sgt. Terry W. Gates, who served in Afghanistan and is now a U.S. Army recruiter, said.
Gates reflected on the history of the homage and then asked local veterans to stand for extended applause.
“You have the eternal gratitude of a grateful nation,” he said.
Dale Oatman, the county’s veterans’ service officer, shared the story of the various flags included in the presentation of the colors and why they were displayed in a careful order. They included the U.S. and POW flags along with the banners of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and local VFW, Legion and Auxiliary organizations.
Navy veteran Roger Wilder, now a senior systems engineer with Gryphon Technologies based at the Washington D.C. Navy Yard, shared his experiences designing naval warships, including aircraft carriers.
The day also included remarks by Badger Boy Jake Hipke and Badger Girl Maggie Crum and a mix of patriotic music by the various classes.
In Antigo, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post hosted a gun salute and meal for veterans and guests, held exactly at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, which marked the signing of the armistice ending World War I.
Earlier in the day, veterans assembled at Antigo Middle School for its annual Veterans Day program.
The program offered an excellent opportunity to relay the importance of the day and why the nation’s honors those who have sacrificed for freedoms.
Steve Bradley talked about a Japanese flag acquired by Tom Donohue during World War II and the various messages that had been scrawled on it, including “believe in victory,” “continue to win,” “I accept my death,” and “the battle field calls you.”
Jack Marciniak also spoke on his military endeavors overseas.
The Middle School Maroon Band performed the “March of the Armed Forces” and “God Bless America.” In addition to singing the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the school choir performed the “Armed Forces Salute,” allowing those who have served a chance to stand and be recognized.
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