Rib Lake marks Veterans Day with ceremony
If you are not a Veteran yourself, you either know, or are related to someone who has served this great nation.
Rib Lake High School honored the Veterans on Thursday with a beautiful ceremony.
Students and community members gathered in the gymnasium to pay tribute to our men and women in uniform. As the community were filing in, the middle school choir and band students entertained the guests with song, accompanied by Mrs. Joan Points. Soon after, the Rib Lake American Legion, Spirit American Legion, and Westboro VFW members paraded in the colors.
The 8th Grade and high school choir sang the Star Spangled Banner, while the veterans stood in salute to our nation’s colors.
Retired Rib Lake Social Sciences Teacher, Mike Wudi, gave a heartfelt speech that reminded everyone to thank a Veteran not just on Veteran’s Day, but on every day of the year.
Wudi said “When I was asked to speak at the ceremony today, I was curious as to why they asked me. I’m not a veteran, what story can I share?”
Wudi didn’t disappoint when he told the audience of how his many years of teaching civics and social studies at Rib Lake High School has given him a better understanding of the sacrifices the men and women have made to protect our freedom. He also shared how each of his uncles served and all returned home safe.
Wudi also recalled his years as being a chaperone on the Washington D.C. trip with the 8th graders for a consecutive number of years. “My favorite places to visit were Arlington National Cemetery, WWII memorial, and the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall.”
Matt Robisch and the high school band performed a moving piece that recognized all branches of the military. As the performance was happening, Robisch called out every branch of the military, and whether you were in the crowd, color guard, or a Legion member, those individuals would stand when their branch was called, and everyone in the crowd would give them a round of applause for their service.
A moment of silence was held to honor the men and women who have served and never made it home. Rib Lake High School students Kyla and Kaden Kennedy played Taps to honor those who have lost their lives.
To conclude the ceremony, the high school choir, along with the 8th grade students, sang a song called “In Flanders Fields.”
8th Grade band performs “American Hymn” before the colors are paraded in.
Color Guard parades in to begin the program.
The high school band performed the songs from each of the military branches.
Commander Duane Harper addresses the crowd to stand and look to the east while Taps was being played.EMILY GOJMERAC/THE STAR NEWS
Sarah Schreiner gives an introduction about the history of the poppy, before the High School Choir performance.
Mike Wudi delivers his Veteran’s Day address entitled “Thank you for your Service.”
Lane Martin and Isaiah Hubbard perform a duet during the 7th grade choir performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing.
