The applause was prolonged and the appreciation palpable for the roughly 40 veterans attending a Veterans Day tribute Nov. 11 at Oconto Falls High School’s 61st annual celebration. The veterans entered and exited the field house to a standing ovation from students and staff members at the school.
Honoring and thanking veterans were the themes of the program.
“Thank you for setting the example that’s inspired future generations to raise their hands in voluntary service to this great nation,” said Principal Bruce Russell. He reported that only 1 percent of the American population serves in the military, bearing the burden for the remaining 99 percent.
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few,” he said, quoting Winston Churchill.
OFHS senior Rebecca Berkovitz continued the theme of thanksgiving in her speech.
“November especially is a month of thanksgiving,” she said.
Without veterans, people today would not have the countless freedoms they enjoy, she said.
“Veterans Day is the day we give thanks to the people who fought for the things we have,” she said.
OFHS junior Hannah Fontaine encouraged the audience to call a veteran or offer a handshake or a smile of appreciation.
“Take the time today to give them a call. Let them know that what they’ve done for you and continue to do doesn’t go unnoticed,” Fontaine said. She said the appreciation shouldn’t be empty words.
“When thanking veterans, don’t just tell them that you appreciate them. Mean it. Show it,” she said.
Berkovitz said veterans are honored in many ways, with medals, monuments and memorials, but nothing can replace those who lost their lives.
“Their sacrifice allows us to live in freedom every day,” she said.
The program included musical selections by the band and choir, a posting of the colors by a U.S. Marine Corps color guard and a flag-folding ceremony demonstrated by two Eagle Scouts, brothers Ryan and Jared Kennedy.
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