Red Oak schools celebrate, honor veterans
RED OAK — The Montgomery County Veteran’s Court of Honor sponsored a Veteran’s Day program at the Red Oak High School and Middle School yesterday to remind students to thank and honor U.S. veterans and to teach them of the sacrifice military men and women face on a daily basis.
The program at the high school began with music from the high school choir and band, followed by the presenting of colors, a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps by two Red Oak students and the placing of wreaths by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The speaker, Master Sergeant Susan J. Mace, is currently assigned to USSTRATCOM Intelligence division at the Joint Intelligence Operations Center, Operations division, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha. She has been recognized with the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.
Mace opened her speech with a pop quiz, asking what occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. After a few mumbled responses from the crowd of high schoolers, teachers, veterans and community members, Mace confirmed that was the day an armistice was signed with Germany to end World War I. One year later on the anniversary of the end of the war, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 Armistice Day to honor the veterans.
The remainder of Mace’s speech focused on the immense sacrifice of the armed forces and the courage and bravery they willingly display.
“In every generation, members of the armed forces are loyal to one another,” she said. “Veterans have kept our country free and we’re thankful to them all. They have given all that was asked of them and more. They are warriors and liberators and by their courage, they have kept us safe and made us proud.”
In the 200 years of military service, Mace said there are more than 21 million veterans, none of whom seek fame; they were merely responding to their civic duty. Citizens must, however, find a way to thank them not just through memories but also through deeds, Mace said.
“We owe them a debt we can never repay,” Mace said. “So we must thank them by living our lives to the fullest, vote in every election, volunteer for meaningful organizations, write letters to the editor at your local newspaper and consider serving… Live as good citizens in the country you can thank the veterans for.”