Veterans Day celebrated at public school

OSMOND — Osmond Community School held a brief Veterans Day program on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The program opened with the elementary students leading the singing of “God Bless America.”

Principal Kurt Polt then introduced Ryan Schmit, who provided the following history of Veterans Day and “Taps.”

“On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice was signed to stop the war in World War I. The fighting stopped in Europe and the celebration from an Allied victory echoed throughout the world. World War I was over.

That brings us to today. We remember those who fought, who sacrificed it all, and those who continue to fight for our freedoms in all wars.

Veterans Day is recognized on Nov. 11. It is during this day we honor those men and women who bravely serve our country.

“To honor our veterans, ‘Taps’ has been played for more than 150 years. Originally the playing of ‘Taps’ used to be the ‘last light’ for soldiers before they went to bed. During the Civil War, Daniel Butterfield, a Union commander, changed the arrangement of the original ‘Taps’ that once belonged to Napoleon. Commander Butterfield performed this at a memorial service for a Union solider. ‘Taps’ can now be heard at every memorial service for our Veterans.”

Ryan then asked the audience to stand and place their hands over their hearts as they heard high school instrumental music teacher Christalin Ginn play a version of “Taps.”

After “Taps” was played, Mr. Polt introduced the 2020 Voice of Democracy essay contest winner, Kaden Polt, who read his essay, “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” Kaden’s winning essay is printed on another page of this issue.

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