Students, community give tribute to veterans WAUSA —Veterans from

WAUSA —Veterans from all branches of the United States military were honored at the Veterans Day program Monday morning at the Wausa Schools gymnasium.

The WHS band accompanied the ‘Parade of Colors’ as United States and organization flags were presented. Carrying flags were Gerald Schumacher, Jo Sirotzki, Betty Banks, Chris Wilken, Mark Dawson, LaVonne Anderson and Vicky Mainquist, representing the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts and Auxiliaries.

“The Star Spangled Banner” was sung by a WHS choir and The Rev. Carl Sirotzki led the Pledge to the Flag. Following the invocation by The Rev. Judy Carlson, the band played a medley of patriotic songs.

TheVoice of Democracy contest is sponsored each year by the VFW Post and Auxiliary. This year’s theme was “What Makes America Great.” Pr. Sirotzki announced Kaitlyn Walton as first place winner. She will now be entered in the District contest.

Elementary students sang “Veterans March” as they marched in place and showed their thanks to all those being honored.

Veterans were asked to stand as the music of their branch of service played: Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines. A video then told the story behind the writing of our national anthem.  

Pr. Carlson reminded everyone that America was founded as a nation ‘under God.’ If our nation is to remain great, this fact must be remembered.

The WHS choir sang “Song of the Unsung Hero.” Following the benediction, Dawson Thorell and Ethan Baue played ‘Taps’ and the band accompanied the Retiring of the Colors.

This annual program is sponsored by Wausa’s Legion and VFW Posts and Auxiliaries.