Osmond pays tribute to veterans “

OSMOND — Veterans, students, staffand community members gathered Monday, Nov. 11, at Osmond Community School to celebrate Veterans Day with speakers, music and songs.

Members of Osmond American Legion Post 326 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7838 and their auxiliaries, as well as members of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 326 processed into the school gym to music played by the Osmond junior-senior high school band. After presentation of The Colors, the band played the “National Anthem,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by elementary students.

Pastor Glen Emery gave the invocation, blessing the veterans and all who serve and have served.

Osmond Community School Principal Kurt Polt introduced the student who was the winner of this year’s Voice of Democracy speech contest, Austin Vinson. Austin told the story of his grandfather, who joined the Army and fought in the Korean War. Austin’s speech is printed on Page 4 of this issue.

Following the musical selection Song Unsung Hero by the Osmond High School Chorus, VFW Commander Neil Bloomquist came to the podium to introduce the speaker. First, however, he cleared up an error printed in the newspaper as well as on the day’s program, which listed him as “Dale” Bloomquist. “My name is ‘Neil’ Bloomquist,” he laughed. He then went on to speak about his cousin, Dale Bloomquist, who served in the military during World War II.

Bloomquist then introduced the day’s speaker, Sgt. First Class Kenneth Yount (Retired). Yount spoke about Veterans Day as a day of reflection, and one with meaningful significance. His speech is printed in its entirety on Page 5.

Following the musical selections “Service Songs” and “A House Divided” by the band, Pastor Emery gave the benediction and the retiring of The Colors was accompanied by the OHS band playing the recessional.

Veterans, spouses and auxiliary members were invited to a lunch in the FCS room of the school following the program.