The 2015 Veterans Day program at Clearview Elementary School in Clear Lake featured a handsome new venue in the new school gymnasium, as well as both traditional and strikingly beautiful new music performed by students and staff during the observance of the somber occasion.
Guests and honored veterans were welcomed by Principal Sheri Rutar, after which the Presentation of the Colors was performed by the Honor Guard from the St. Augusta, Clearwater and Clear Lake American Legion posts and Clearview Boy Scout and Girl Scout troop Members. Clear Lake Legion member Bud Stimmler then led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner”.
The guest speaker this year was U.S. Air Force Captain and Clearview teacher Terri Weber, who spoke of the path that led her to choose service in the military, and the pride she felt in that decision and in the performance of her duties while serving as an officer.
The program then provided a short history of the five military branches, accompanied by the playing of the service hymns for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps., Air Force and the Coast Guard.
Following a group of student readers, all present joined in singing “America the Beautiful”. Students and faculty then led the sign language renditions of “This land is Your Land” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag”.
A moment of silence followed for all of the MIA/POW troops from all wars, with the traditional white-draped table set on the stage in remembrance of them.
A very moving video called “American Tears” was shown, with staff soloists Ruth Johnson, Krista Ventura and Jessi Bost providing a lovely rendition of the song that brought tears to many in the audience.
Teacher Julie Krebs then provided a history of “Taps”, the military bugle call that signifies the end of the day, and which is also played to honor fallen comrades as they are laid to rest. The bugle call was then performed by a Clearwater American Legion member.
The program concluded with the Retiring of the Colors by the Legion Honor Guard and the Scouts. Attendees were invited to see the “Wall of Heroes” on permanent display inside the school, and to visit the permanent Veterans Memorial on the school campus.
