The Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School hosted a Veterans’ Day Celebration on Monday, November 11, in the NCEMS Gymnasium. Even though the weather was winter-like, there was still a great turnout of veterans.
To start the ceremony, the Color Guard led the veterans into the gymnasium. The veterans stood in front of their chairs as Mrs. Nikki Honeyman gave the welcome. After the welcome, a few students came down and led the crowd in saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Then seventh grade students, Zoey Sudbeck, Feryn Feldkamp, and Addy Frye sang the Star-Spangled Banner.
Following the singing, Alan Mueting gave the opening prayer. Then the annual slideshow tribute to the veterans started. This slideshow has grown over the years that it was divided into two parts. Halfway through the video, it was paused. Next, some eighth grade students introduced each branch of the military and had the veterans stand when they heard their branch. The younger students sang the song that represented each branch. After that, the rest of the slideshow was played.
When the slideshow was finished, Abe Hilbert, eighth grade, read the biography of Earl W. Taylor. Next, the veterans introduced themselves and received a gift in honor of their service. The gift was provided by some local businesses. Then the leader, Alan Mueting, gave roll call for all of the veterans in the area who have died in the past year. Following roll call, Josh Gonzalez, eighth grade, played the Taps.
Ken Hermesch, a veteran that was part of the Honor Flight, had a few words to say about the experience. Another veteran who also went on the flight said he really appreciated the homecoming they got when they arrived back from the flight because back in the days when they arrived back from their service, they got spit on and yelled at.
To finish the celebration, the NCEMS students sang “God Bless The USA” for all of the veterans. Donations from the students' “Hat and Shades” day was presented for the Nemaha County Military Museum and the Veterans Wall.
When the program was finished the veterans could go home or visit the cafeteria to grab some cookies, coffee, water, or tea with their family and friends.
Silas Ulmer said, “It was really fun and emotionally touching.”
“It was fun seeing all of the veterans who showed up,” said Nola Sudbeck.
Click the link below for pictures of the Veterans' Day celebration