The Perry School District held their 21st annual Veterans Day Celebration yesterday, bringing students, the community, and veterans together for a day of thanks.
The festivities began at 6 a.m. with a veterans breakfast at Perry Hy-Vee. There were also morning refreshments provided in the high school’s Brady Library. At 9 a.m., was the 30th annual PHS Social Studies Department Veterans Day Panel Presentation. It was moderated by Gary Overla and John Fulton, and featured a question and answer session between students and area veterans. The public celebration began at 10 a.m. and was emceed by Mike Powell. The program included a special presentation by Jim Walstrom of the Perry Historic Preservation Commission on George Soumas, a speech on “The Greatest Generation” by student Luke Holtorf, and a reading by Mayor John Andorf of “In Flanders Fields” and an explanation of the Veterans Day Poppy.
The keynote speaker was U.S. Congressman David Young, who emphasized the importance of honoring veterans every day, not just on November 11th. “It’s just great to see that Perry High School does this. And you get to see so many of the younger kids get involved in this, and really understand what this country is all about. It’s about sacrifice, it’s about freedom, and it’s about all of us taking part in it. Working with one another, regardless of political stripes, whether you’re from the urban area or rural area, young or old. We all have to work together to keep this great nation going.”
Following Young’s address, there was a tribute to each branch of the armed services performed by the High School Select Choir, during which the veterans in the audience stood when their anthem was sung. Other musical performances included: “Uncle Sam” by the 3rd grade choir; “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” by teachers and staff; the “Band of Brothers and Sisters” presentation; and “Tell My Father” by the High School Bass Clef Choir. The program concluded with the playing of “Taps” and the retiring of the colors. The veterans were then able to help themselves to a free luncheon in the high school cafeteria.
