While the snow continued to fall outside on Veterans Day, Rochelle Middle School students, staff and local veterans gathered inside the gymnasium for a ceremony to honor the country’s veterans.
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ROCHELLE – While the snow continued to fall outside on Veterans Day, Rochelle Middle School students, staff and local veterans gathered inside the gymnasium for a ceremony to honor the country’s veterans.
The ceremony began with RMS principal Jordan Young introducing Jerry Olsen, a five-year Marine Corp. veteran, who also helps out with the Darkhorse Lodge in Tennessee, a place where combat veterans go on retreats. Olsen discussed what the American flag means to veterans who fight for their country and their flag. He also had all of the veterans in the room, including staff and family of students stand up to be honored for their service.
Following the presentation by Olsen, Rochelle VFW Commander Bill Bumgarner gave a short presentation on the history of Veterans Day, what it was like when the draft was still in act, and the explained that everyone in the armed forces today volunteered and chose to do so.
Following Bumgartner’s presentation, the seventh and eighth grade choir performed the National Anthem while everyone in the room stood and faced the flag hanging on the wall. Following the National Anthem was a three-volley salute by members of the Rochelle VFW color guard.
Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows concluded the program with a thank you to all veterans and a reminder to always think about the veterans who have made all of our freedoms possible.