Veterans at forefront for Wittenberg schools

Support was plentiful for veterans during the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11.

Veterans from American Legion Post 502 and the American Legion Auxiliary of Wittenberg were greeted with smiles, music and treats during their stops at the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School and the Wittenberg Elementary-Middle School. The day started off with veterans sitting in front of the student population at the high school, with principal Stuart Russ introducing service members currently enrolled in school, as a teacher and in transportation services. Legion member Jay Timm then addressed the crowd first by thanking veterans from around the country.

“Freedom is not free,” said Timm. “The brave men and women who have served, raised their right hand to uphold and defend the constitution of the United States of America for what we believe in. When the men and women were asked to perform a task, they did so out of the love they have for their fellow citizens here in America.”

With his experience in the United States Army, Timm said that he found it an honor to serve the country and that the bond between veterans is unbreakable.

“The men and women that I served with were second to none,” said Timm. “The bond formed by all military veterans is like no other. The cohesiveness and the ‘can-do’ attitude by veterans who are serving now and in the past is outstanding. The morals, values and honesty that I have learned from my superior officers and non-commissioned officers is above all else.”

Timm explained that Veterans Day is annually scheduled on Nov. 11, due to World War I ending at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

“We must always remember those in current wars, as well as in wars past,” said Timm.

Timm’s speech was followed by the Wittenberg-Birnamwood band playing each of the military’s branches songs, with those who served in that branch standing for recognition. American Legion Auxiliary member Barb Staehler then spoke about how students, staff, community members and veterans can work together to help end veteran suicide.

“Everybody has a bad day — everybody has a bad moment,” said Staehler, addressing the students. “We need to unite and be together — take your friends and give them a hug — support each other.”

The celebration at the high school concluded with the recession of colors, a gun salute and the playing of “Taps.” From there, veterans and community members took a quick drive over to Wittenberg Elementary-Middle School, where student council members and staff shared coffee and donuts with the veterans.

Members of American Legion Post 502 and the American Legion Auxiliary of Wittenberg entered a packed gymnasium, where they took their seats on the stage. Principal Nick Firari introduced the groups and Timm gave a speech similar to that at the high school.

“It is our pleasure to have everyone here today to honor our veterans,” said Firari. “In school, our monthly focus for November has been gratitude and today we get to show our gratefulness for the men and women who have served our country. Their bravery and sacrifices have protected our freedom over the years and for that, we are ever so grateful.”

Similar to last year, when the book, “America Is…” was read, Auxiliary member Rosie Popp read a book titled, “The American Flag,” which provided students with some information explaining that the flag is a national symbol.

“The flag is an important symbol — it represents the United States of America. To millions of people the United States is the land of freedom and justice,” read Popp. “Soldiers have carried the flag into battle for more than 200 years. The site of the flag on the battlefield gives troops courage and reminds them of what they are fighting for.”

The pledge of allegiance followed Popp’s reading, before two kindergarten classes sang a song titled, “You Are Our Heroes” to veterans.

Inside the gymnasium, a table was also set up to represent missing men and women from the United States Military. Student Council representative Elizabeth Behnke explained that there are ten different items associated with the table, with each representing a different meaning.

“The table is brown to show our everlasting concern for our fallen and our missing,” said Behnke. “The white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of their intentions when answering the call to arms. A single red rose reminds us of life, the life of each of our fallen loved ones.”

The celebration ended with Wittenberg Elementary/Middle School alum Brianna Schmidt singing “God Bless America,” veterans performing “Taps,” a recession of colors and one last gun salute.

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com