Culbertson School Veteran’s Day Assembly

A Veteran’s Day assembly was hosted at the Culbertson High School gym Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. The event was well attended by students and members of the community.

A welcome address was delivered by Culbertson High School senior Autumn Bergum, followed by a performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” by second and third grade students under the direction of teacher Joy Young. “American the Beautiful” was performed by eighth grade band students under the direction of Jennesy Taberna. Russell Pfeifer directed the third and fifth graders in a rendition of “Because of You,” followed by Taberna and the eighth grader’s performing “America/My Country Tis of Thee.”

Bergum then returned to welcome guest speaker Kenneth Simon, who recounted his experiences in the military and civilian life for the audience. He stressed the comradery experienced by combat and non-combat veterans alike and discussed the bonds that form over time between service members.

Military fight songs were performed by the junior high and high school bands, with area veterans standing to be recognized. Art and signs reading “thank you for your service” were held aloft by junior high and high school art students during the medley. Approximately 30 veterans were seated in the area designated for service members.

Veterans Day marks an important moment in history. On Nov. 11, 1918, World War I unofficially ended when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, took place between Germany and the Allied nations on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. After subsequent wars, including World War II and the Korean War, veterans’ service organizations lobbied for Armistice Day to be revised so it would be more inclusive of all veterans.

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On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to strike the word ‘Armistice’ from the holiday’s name.

(Photo by James Walling)

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