Area Veterans Day programs were held on Friday in observance of the holiday on Saturday. Both Britton-Hecla and Langford Area put on nice programs, involving both local vets and school children.
VFW Post 3507 Commander David Geyer acted as master of ceremonies for the Britton program while Pastor Karie Geyer of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Veblen gave the invocation and the benediction. The VFW/American Legion Color Guard presented and retired the colors.
Sergeant First Class Brent Wienk was the program’s keynote speaker. Wienk is a Groton native and is a Recruiting Officer for the SD Army National Guard. Wienk enlisted in the Army National Guard more than 20 years ago. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan over the years. In his speech, Wienk talked about the history of Veterans Day and how the National Guard has protected freedom during various American conflicts.
Britton-Hecla Lighthouse Representatives Ayla Sasker and Madalyn Neri Mendoza led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the kindergarten class led the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner performed by the high school band. The band also played “America, The Beautiful.”
At the Langford Area program on Friday, the colors were presented by Monty Liknes and Chad Hardy. The National Anthem was sang by the high school choir. Students Daniel Jesz and Gunner Hardy discussed the meaning of the Pledge. Staff Sergeant Melissa Weigel, U.S. National Guard, gave the guest speech.
The different elementary school grades also helped out with the program. The first graders performed the White Table demonstration and helped recognize veterans with a wreath presentation. The second and third graders presented the ABCs of Veterans and a poem. The fourth and fifth grades shared a poem about thanking veterans. The middle school choir also sang “God Bless America.”
