Becker Public Schools held a special program for veterans Friday that went from intermediate to primary to high school with Becker Schools Transportation Director Tom Risley as the key speaker.

 

Risley, a 28-year United States Navy veteran is a Master Chief Petty Officer with an official title of Seabee Combat Warfare. He joined the Navy on Nov. 11 of 1998 and his message was of courage, dedication, honor, discipline and commitment.

 

He shared his family’s history of military service and encouraged the youth to consider a future in the military as it has “shaped me into who I am.”

 

He also read from the Sailor’s Creed that says:

 

“ I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and all who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.”

 

The program started with a six-minute video that identified the heroes who have served through numerous world-wide wars and how important it is for people of this country to recognize their service, show them respect and honor their commitment.

 

Members of the color guard were invited to march to center stage to present the flags of the State of Minnesota and the country. All those in attendance stood with their hands over their hearts and sang hymns and the National Anthem.

 

As of 2014 and according to the Census Bureau, there are 21.8 million veterans of the U.S. armed forces, approximately 10% being women.

 

Towards the end of the program, all attending veterans were asked to stand in their spots in the auditoriums and the Becker students and staff gave them a long-standing ovation. 

 

Many also stayed after the program to shake hands and say “thank you” to the veterans living among them.

 

In the wake of the national political campaign that has incensed many into appalling protestation of this country, this salutation  couldn’t have come at a better time.