Becker Public Schools held a special program for veterans Friday morning in the high school gymnasium with Becker Schools Band Director and Staff Sergeant, Craig Vogl as the key speaker.

 

The program started with the color guard presenting the flags of the State of Minnesota, the American Legion, POWs and the country front-and-center by members of the Becker American Legion Post 193. All those in attendance stood with their hands over their hearts and sang hymns and the National Anthem.

 

The Becker chamber choir and wind ensemble then performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic under the direction of Vogl. Area Veterans and their families were seated up front in the first several rows while students and teachers took up part of the floor and all of the bleachers.

 

After Vogl’s speech, Assistant Principal Brian Baloun recognized the veterans on hand and the wind ensemble and choir performed the Armed Forces Pride of America Medley. When veterans heard the music associated with their branch of service, they were asked to stand to be recognized.

 

The band and choir also performed Amazing Grace and God Bless the U.S.A. before the color guard returned to retire the colors.

 

Many of the veterans stayed after the program to shake hands and receive “thank yous” from the students, teachers and faculty.

 

In the parking lot of the school, a tribute to veterans from the students were on full display as flags flapped in the wind from the back ends of a few pickup trucks.