We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
For Veteran's Day, signs representing dog tags stood on Main Street in Turner, Montand to honor American Legion Post 109 members or veterans who live on the Big Flat.
On Monday, November 11, multiple signs honoring area veterans appeared on Main Street in Turner, Montana. Some were displayed in front of the post office; others appeared across from or flanked the American Legion Hall. These signs are the result of the Dog Tags to Honor Military Personnel project funded by the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) and Post 109.
The Big Flat further honored their veterans in an assembly at 9:15 on that windy November morning. Student Council Advisor, Mr. Aristotle Meija welcomed all those gathered in Turner Public School's (TPS) gymnasium and provided a brief tribute to the veterans.
After Mr. Meija's remarks, the ceremony officially began when veterans Andrew Jones and Steve Humphreys presented the American flag. That presentation was followed by the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner by seventh graders Gracie Zellmer and Harley Beck.
With notes of the National Anthem still lingering in the Tornado's gym, Mr. Meija showed a short video production, thanking the veterans for their sacrifice and service so that United States citizens can enjoy freedom: "For everything we have because you gave," read one slide.
Next, Student Council President Cassidy Grabofsky read a brief history of Veteran's Day and how it came to be the day designated for celebration. Regardless of its convoluted history, from November 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, the day has remained one "filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory."
Although the date was originally called Armistice Day and has seen some calendar changes over the years, in 1954 the official observance was renamed, and on September 20, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-97, which returned the annual observance of Veteran's Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.
Following Grabofsky's sharing of historical facts, three TPS sophomores read essays in which they defined the beauty of the American soldier. On this topic, the first speaker, Abby Grabofsky stated: "Our selfless military men and women represent a perfect showcase of beauty. Their generous sacrifices, their fearless actions, and their endless devotion to America, even in the midst of war with death coming at them from all angles, demonstrate beauty. Our soldiers continually lay down their lives for the betterment of their country. That is true beauty. . . . In the broken, brave, and beloved military men and women, we see beauty demonstrated daily. With each personal sacrifice made to protect this beautiful country we call home, we celebrate our veterans."
Ty Beck shared similar sentiments in the oral performance of his writing, saying: "Some may ask why America is called 'America the Beautiful.' The answer lies in the individuals we encounter at the grocery store or the mall who wear hats that say 'Vietnam Veteran' or 'U.S. Army Veteran.' Those people are the number one reason our country is free and called 'America the Beautiful.' Their sacrifices and dedication have truly made our country beautiful."
Beck added: "Many of the technological advancements we often take for granted have their roots in wartime developments that lead to profound changes in our daily lives. We have to admit that the complex relationship between war and innovation often reveals unexpected forms of beauty within the chaos. This beauty can be traced back to our military."
The third speaker in this portion of the assembly, Brady Zellmer offered his perspective: "Acts of beauty emerge in the selfless acts of bravery and determination displayed by soldiers to defend their homeland. . . . These acts of valor and sacrifice emerge in the face of the horror and challenges of war. By recognizing the beauty in our veterans, we need to think about the aspects they went through to ensure we can be free. We know service isn't just an ordinary task; it is an act of courage and beauty."
Once the thoughts of this trio had commended the heroism and magnificence of the American soldier, Mrs. Elissa Zellmer's seventh and eighth grade music class sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee."
The music portion of the program gave way to the awarding of cards created by K-2 students. Each of the young people presented a veteran with a handmade message of gratitude.
To close this hour of honor, the veterans formed a receiving line, and Turner Public School students, faculty, staff, and administration, as well as other community members in attendance, thanked each veteran for serving our country and safeguarding our freedoms.
In a patriotic teaching moment earlier that morning, ALA President Brenda Mohar offered each TPS student a small flag with a suction cup attached. "These can be displayed wherever you want. They should remind you of unity, respect, freedom, and acceptance," Mohar told students.
As she spoke, Mohar stressed the importance of acceptance and getting along in spite of differences. "We all have the freedom to express ourselves in whatever way we see fit, but we have to remember to get along, to accept others who might be different," she said.
