Dear Editor, I want to thank the schools and the businesses for their recognition and appreciation for those who have served in our uniformed services. With 27 of years of service in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, I had the opportunity work with many other physicians serving the Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard as well as the uniformed U.S. Public Health Service.
I attended two school Veterans Day services. The students were exceptionally attentive, courteous and respectful of their fellow students, veterans and guests. At Watonga High School, the students who conducted the presentation of colors, played the National Anthem, Armed Forces March, and America the Beautiful, reviewed the history of Armistice Day/Veterans Day, read patriotic poems, and introduced the guest speaker, SFC Vogt and other National Guard guests, all conducted their parts professionally and with dignity. Likewise, those who conducted the missing man table, flag folding ceremony and Taps did so solemnly. Special thanks were noted to Superintendent Hilterbran, Principal Coleman, the Watonga Eagle band directed by Mr. and Mrs. Spurlin, and WHS gifted and talented students sponsored by Kimberly Long.
At Lomega, Mrs. Debra Ott, high school principal David Lorenz and Superintendent Mr. Cory Wilson and others arranged an impressive and well-rehearsed program. The four-person honor-guard paraded the colors, all in step. The guest speaker related how service in the U.S. Marine Corps transformed him from a less than exemplary student-citizen to one with great respect for authority, honor and service. Five students portrayed five celebrities who served, sometimes “giving all” in service to their country. In each case, the seated student stood up concluding these celebrities ‘stood up” for what they believed.
I applaud and, on behalf of all veterans, thank the students, staff and faculty of all schools that saluted veterans everywhere. Joe P. Bryan CAPT, MC, USNR