Veteran's Day At Silver Lake
The Mustangs Welcome Our Nation's Heroes
by Annie Wickham
November 16, 2009
On Wednesday, November 11TH, Silver Lake celebrated Veteran’s Day with a special assembly and by inviting our hometown soldiers to be honored. The veterans were invited to eat a delicious lunch at the school, which even included a patriotic red, white and blue dessert. After lunch, everyone gathered in the gym for an assembly to honor our special guests: Mike Belleci, Dale Woodard, Carol Seamen, Raymond Hinrichs, Gerald Grandstaff, Deborah Burgess (represented by husband Michael Burgess), Ken Mahoney, and Rich Lemmerman.
Student council members narrated and organized the assembly. It was started off by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, which was followed by a short speech from Silver Lake teacher and veteran Richard Lemmerman. The choir sang God Bless America and then students settled down to listen to veteran Mike Belleci honoring the veterans present, and explaining why he chose to fight overseas for our country.
Students and the attending veterans watched a short movie on the significance of Veteran’s Day. The video contained many veterans telling not only their own stories on representing our country, but also about the importance of all aspects of military command. It also highlighted the many opportunities offered by joining one of the many branches of the military.
After the video, the choir sang You’re A Grand Old Flag to bring a jubilant near-conclusion to the assembly. Student council member Kila Timm was given the honor of announcing the attending veterans to the student body. The attending veterans were:
Mike Belleci: US Army, Sargent E5 with 9 years of service from 2000 and still serving.
Dale Woodard: US Navy, Machinist Mate 3rd Class with 4 ½ years of service from 1981-1985.
Carol Seamen: US Army and Air Force, Master Sargent with 24 years total service; 3 years in the army and 12 years in the air force from 1961-1986.
Raymond Hinrichs: US Navy, Gunners and Gunners Mate 1st Class with 3 years of service from 1942-1945.
Gerald Grandstaff: US Navy, Hospitalist 3rd Class, stationed above the USS Narreus during the Vietnam War with 4 years of service from 1962-1966.
Deborah Burgess (represented by husband Michael Burgess): US Army and Air Force, Tech Sargent and 1st Sargent with 6 years of service.
A huge thank you to our nation’s heroes and to the veterans who attended our assembly for everything you have done for us and our country.
