Sunrise Middle School hosts Veterans Day ceremony

KEARNEY — “Honoring Those Who Serve,” was the theme of the Sunrise Middle School Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Mark Johnson, principal of Sunrise Middle School, welcomed the veterans, family members, guests and students to the event, saying that the event sought to honor veterans and to reinforce to the students the importance and significance of Veterans Day.

Johnson said that veterans not only served their nation but the idea of freedom, that each of us has worth and that diversity makes us stronger.

The Stars and Stripes and the state flag were brought into the gym by Junior ROTC members. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Elin Kuhl and the Sunrise choir sang the Star Spangled Banner.

The “Tribute to the Armed Forces,” in “Anchors Aweigh” for the U.S. Navy, “The Caissons Go Rolling Along” for the U.S. Army, “The Wild Blue Yonder” for the U.S. Air Force, “The Marines’ Hymn” for the U.S. Marine Corps and “Semper Paratus” for the U.S. Coast Guard was played with veterans standing for their individual service song.

The guest speaker was U.S. Army Staff Sargent Paul Mills who was a 24-year veteran and had been deployed as recently as 2021-22 to Kuwait as a part of Operation Spartan Shield.

Mills said that when he had been contacted about being the speaker for the event, he said a “flood of words, ideas and memories” came to him about his service.

He said he thought back to his comrades and said that the services is a brother and sisterhood. He said the bonds you form during your time cannot be replicated in any other place.

Mills said that Veterans Day to him is about the history, celebration of service and gratitude.

Following Mills’ remarks there were performances by the Sunrise orchestra of “Honor and Glory” by Soon Hee Newbold and “Thank You Soldiers” by the Sunrise choir.

A Flag Folding Ceremony was presented by JROTC members. The speakers explaining the significance of the flag folding were Hudson Fryda and Lawson Jasnoch.

“The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which the United States was originally founded,” according to American Legion.

• The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
• The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
• The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
• The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is Him we turn to in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.
• The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. In the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
• The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
• The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
• The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
• The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood. It has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that has molded the character of the men and women who have made this country great.
• The 10th fold is a tribute to father, who has also given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
• The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
• The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
• The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

The outro was a performance of “My Country Tis of Thee and America the Beautiful” by the orchestra.

“Sunrise Middle School would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all veterans, active military personnel and the families who support them. Today’s ceremony is dedicated to honoring your service and sacrifice while helping our students to understand the true meaning of freedom and patriotism,” SMS stated.