The Southern Door Community came together on Friday, November 11, for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The four-year rotation brought the ceremony to Southern Door.

The morning ceremony featured guest speaker U.S. Army Sgt. Jared Spude, who has served two tours in Afghanistan. Spude was thankful for the honor of speaking but even more thankful that he could address the student body with the hopes of impacting even one life. To inspire everyone in attendance, he included this quote by Winston Churchill: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

Spude says the quote represents the true meaning of Veterans Day. Without all veterans past and present, we could not enjoy the freedoms that we have. 

Master of Ceremonies Al Buechner began the program with the Procession of Colors and the Southern Door High School Concert Choir sang the Star-Spangled Banner. In addition the Concert Choir performed "God Bless the USA" and "God Bless America." Everyone in attendance was encouraged to join in the second verse. The Concert Band performed several pieces including the "Armed Forces Medley" and "America the Beautiful."

In addition to U.S. Army Sgt. Jared Spude, two students spoke to the group. Katie B. read an excerpt from "Freedoms Plow" by Langston Hughes, and Matt O. read "Freedom is Not Free" by Kelly Strong.

 

The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute preformed by Post 372 and a benediction by Deacon Paul Zenefski as well as the Retirement of the Colors. Let all of those who have served or are currently serving not be forgotten.