Becker Middle School students got up close and personal with Veterans Day Monday, as they packed the performing arts center at the high school to learn about Veterans and what they have meant to the community.

Paul Edmonds, Minnesota 6th District American Legion commander from Brainerd, explained what a Veteran is - that they may have served many colors and purposes - if they served the US. Military they are called Veterans.

Ted Aleckson, new assistant principal at the middle school, emceed the ceremony, iuntroducing the various organizations and individuals involved in the 45-minute program.

“Cover Fire,” the 34th Infantry Division band from the Minneapolis headquarters, presented a series of Vietnam-era songs, including longtime soldier favorites, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place and Give Me A Ticket For An Airplane.

Member of the performing cast of six was Becker High School’s band director,  Craig Vogl. Their group has been together for several years and performs at regular Army National Guard and Reserve functions in the Twin Cities.

(What does cover fire mean? In military situations, it means some elements of a fighting unit shooting to main control of an enemy force, so their comrades can advance to a position with a better chance of not being wounded or killed.)

The most poignant segment of the program was the recognition of area Veterans in attendance. They stood to be recognized while the song of their branch of service was played - first the Army, then the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force - and the Coast Guard.

And leading into the service and concluding it were Becker’s own American Legion Color Guard, carrying the five flags of the ceremony.

They included John Fischback, Army; LeRoy Weeres, Army; Luke Torrell, Navy; John Riebel, Army; and David Anderson, whose father served with the 11th Airborne in Europe during WWII. 

A second Veterans Day ceremony, for high school students, was held earlier in the day. The Becker Primary School and IUntermediate School held their ceremonies that afternoon.

Early morning, area Veterans were treated to a breakfast at the high school, put on by the school robotics team.

And outside, in the chilly, stiff breeze of the day, flags from at least two dozen trucks of high school students reminded passers-by it was Veterans Day.