Becker High School honored the Veterans Day observance this year with two performances sharing the title “Celebration through Music”.  High school students, veterans and residents attended the 9 a.m. ceremony, while the Becker Middle School conducted their program beginning at 10:15 a.m., both in the Performing Arts Center at BHS.

 

In both instances, the programs began with a performance of “Fast as You” by “Coverfire,” a component of the U.S. Army 34th Infantry Division Band that can really rock.  Following an introduction by the school principal, the Posting of the Colors was carried out by the Honor Guard from Becker American Legion Post 193 which included Bob Stone, John Riebel, John Fischbach, Walter Eads Jr. and Gary Kern.

 

The National Anthem was performed by the BHS Chamber Choir directed by Gretchen Bordson and the BHS Wind Ensemble, directed by Coverfire front-man Sgt. Craig Vogl.  The BMS eighth-grade choir then performed “Thank You Soldiers”, directed by Kristi Lovold, and the eighth-grade band played “Legacy of Heroes”, directed by Shelly Clemen.

 

BMS Principal Nancy Helmer then led the Recognition of Veterans, which was followed by the combined bands playing the “Armed Forces Pride of America” medley of service hymns.  Helmer then introduced Sgt. Vogl, a former Becker teacher, as the featured speaker.

 

At the conclusion of his remarks on the honor of remembrance of service and sacrifice, he and Coverfire took the stage for a medley of songs that included “Find the Cost of Freedom”, “Dress Blues” and a rousing “God Bless the U.S.A.” that brought every person in the auditorium to their feet.

 

After concluding comments from Helmer and BMS Asst. Principal Chantel Boyer, the Legion Honor Guard retired the colors and Coverfire played the audience out to Neil young’s “Rocking in the Free World”.