The tradition in Tipton is alive and well. If you have been a part of this community you have likely seen the long standing tradition of the Veterans Day Program hosted in the Middle School Gym by the Middle and Elementary School students and staff. However, if you are new to Tipton or if this was your first time being part of it you probably have a similar feeling that many first time attendees have. Middle school Principal Justin Bouse, a newcomer to the district and also a member of the Veterans Day Committee, commented “I cannot express how impressed I was with the program. I know how much time went in behind the scenes to pull this off and watching it made me realize why so many put in that time“. Eighth grade language arts teacher Annie Schmidt moved to Tipton this summer. Following her first Veterans Day Program with Tipton she said “It was incredible to see the way this small, close knit community comes together to honor such a special group of people. It meant a lot to be a part of it.” Another first time program attendee was Superintendent of Tipton Schools Brandon Borseth, he described it this way; “This was a phenomenal event that encapsulates our appreciation of our veterans and instills that respect and reverence in the next generation. The Tipton school district gives a deep, heartfelt thank you to every American that answered the call to serve. We hope today blessed you as it has blessed us to call you our friends and neighbors.”
All students and staff grades pre-kindergarten through eighth gathered in the gym on the morning of November 11th, joined by community and family members. The ceremony is open to all local veterans and includes members from almost all branches of the service. To begin, the Parade of Veterans enters as the band plays and is seated in the center of the gym. The pre-kindergarten students lead off the program with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the seventh and eighth grade choir singing the National Anthem. Each grade prepared a short presentation to show their appreciation of our Veterans. Next was kindergarten and first grade who worked together to recite a poem about the bravery and strength of our nation's heroes. Second grade performed a poem including sign language.
Our guest speaker was introduced by her daughters Ella Herold, a 5th grade student and Ada Herold, a 7th grader. Airman 1st Class Debbie Herold is a long time nurse by trade who took a non-traditional route to the military. Airman Herold said, “For me, this decision was about fulfilling a long held dream, and showing my daughters, Ada and Ella that you can pursue your goals and make an impact no matter where you are in life”. She told the attendees of her unconventional path to the military, encouraged people to not see age as a limiting factor in enlistment, and acknowledged the families of Veterans and their sacrifices made in their roles. In her thanks to the service members she said, “Your service has paved the way for future generations and your commitment to this nation is an inspiration”.
One of the most significant parts of the ceremony is the recognition of military branches which includes a presentation of flags and the band playing Anthems of the Six Armed Forces arr. by Dusty Johnson, our middle school band director. Veterans were asked to stand as they are able as each flag was shown so they could be honored with their branch. Schmidt said, “It was very moving to watch the individuals stand for their flag and song.” Taking the time to appreciate each branch and give those service members the opportunity to be recognized is truly a very special piece of the program.
Fifth and sixth grade students Piper Chapman and Harper Bolger read their first hand accounts of “What Veterans Day Means to Me”. Both girls described the strength and sacrifices made by Veterans in their lives.
Third and fourth grade recited poems written by members of their classes to show their thanks.
Lucy Costello and Mickayla Mackey lead a question and answer session that featured Veterans, community members and family. Hearing from these people first hand really magnifies the importance of the day.
A group of middle school trumpet players joined by band director, Dusty Johnson, played taps with great honor. All of the students and staff came together to sing America the Beautiful and filled the gym with the patriotic lyrics of the song.
To close the ceremony, seventh grade student Zaiden Pratt thanked everyone for their attendance and expressed his deepest gratitude to the service men and women.
Bouse was moved by the display of his students and community, he said, “What we have here at Tipton is certainly special, and I can tell you this simply doesn't happen in a lot of places. Not only was I proud to be an American today, I was especially proud to be a Tipton Tiger.”