Students assemble for veterans

Schools in the Platte Valley honored Veterans Day yesterday with assemblies to recognize veterans who have served in the military.

At Saratoga Middle/High School the day began with an assembly in the gym where the pledge of allegiance was recited, followed by a speech on Veterans Day by Class President Hunter Mason.

After Mason was done the student body watched "Taking Chance," a 2009 film starring Kevin Bacon about bringing a Marine Chance Phelps, who was killed in Afghanistan, back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyo. for his funeral. Saratoga Elementary School (SES) invited Vietnam War veteran Steve Wilcoxson and Navy veteran Season Shumaker to speak at the assembly.

The assembly began with the local cub scout troop presenting the colors and leading the pledge of allegiance.

Organizer Addie Fletcher introduced the guests Wilcoxson and Shumaker

Wilcoxson told the students that he had served three tours in Vietnam. He said he was proud to have served his country and to be a veteran. Wilcoxson said he joined the Marine Corps on Aug. 28, 1968. He described joining the military as a right of passage. Wilcoxson had two uncles who died in World War II and two cousins who died in the Korean War.

Wilcoxon recognized Ron Hoopes, the school counselor, who served in Vietnam and talked about how when they returned from Vietnam, the military was blamed for all the things that went wrong. Wilcoxson was pleased that Vietnam veterans were invited to talk in the schools. "The military troops got a bad rap in the 60s," Wilcoxson said. "I am happy to these that has changed you guys are welcoming."

Wilcoxson talked about military troops that are serving now and making a sacrifice and that every member of the military who enlists, signs a blank check to the United States of America up to and including his or her life. "They sacrifice a great deal for us."

Wilcoxson explained the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Veterans Day is to honor the living, Memorial Day is to honor those who have fallen.

Shumaker, who is a familiar face at SES because she works as an assistant cook there. She also has children who attend SES.

Shumaker joined the Navy right out of high school and served for six years, four of them as active duty. She served on three different ships, but never served on shore. "I have three medals and two ribbons for my service," Shumaker said. She visited 10 countries. Shumaker's father and grandfathers served in the military, too.

Shumaker pointed out that with 320 million people in the United States, 19.6 million are veterans and 1.6 million are women veterans.

Following the guest speakers, kindergarten teacher Kelly Horn, who has two brothers who have served their country recited the "POW MIA Remembrance Ceremony".

One of Horn's brother is active duty and the emotional through the reading. At the front of the SES gym, where the assembly was held, a small table was set for one. Horn talked about the symbolism of each part of the table, which reminds people to remember those who have been lost during wartime and not returned to their homeland.

The Encampment School celebrated Veterans Day by honoring seven local veterans during an assembly.

Willis Greenwood, Lisa Johnson, Liz Wood, Dick Ament, Robert Herring, H.R. Herring, Bill Wadsworth were the veterans present for the assembly.

WWII Navy veteran Dick Ament was presented with a plaque from the members of the VFW Post 6125 for his service to his country, state and local organization by VFW Commander Liz Wood.

Sandy Martin, with the Encampment Riverside Merchants Association presented Ament with a certificate of appreciation for his volunteer work in Encampment.

Four Encampment students read their Patriot Pen essay. The Patriot Pen is an essay contest sponsored by the VFW. The essays will be judged Platte Valley VFW, and the first and second place winners will be judged at the district and state level.

Following the presentations, the Encampment School choir sang hymns of every branch of the military. The veterans stood and were recognized when the hymns of their branch were played.

The 45-minute assembly ended as every student and staff member shook hands with each of the veterans to thank them for their service.