YOU’VE EARNED YOUR STRIPES. To our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future, God bless you and thank you. Every November 11th marks Veterans Day. This special day celebrates all the men and women who have served for our country. Every year, Valley Heights KAY hosts a special ceremony for the veterans of Marshall County. Cinnamon rolls, muffins, juice, and coffee are provided for the veterans. The ceremony includes the student body and staff honoring the veterans and a speaker speaking about Veterans Day or anything they wish.
This year's ceremony started with each veteran walking into the gym to the song of their specific branch. Clayton Reed, speaker this year; spoke about his life, serving time, and how he has many veterans in his family, including his son, Jeremy Reed, former student at Valley Heights. Abigail and Audra Steinfort then sang “Travelin’ Soldier.” “We’ve always really liked that song and personally it’s one of my favorites. We thought it was fitting because it gives the perspective of everyone back home during the war,” says Abigail Steinfort. The ceremony was closed with Maggie Toerber reciting a Veterans Day poem. Mrs. Manley, KAY sponsor, has a very special place in her heart for Veterans Day and for the KAY Veterans Day Ceremony. “We have so many veterans in our community that a lot of people don’t realize they served. So many of these veterans are involved in the community, still serving in a different capacity. It means so much to honor them on this day especially. My dad served in Vietnam so veterans hold a special place in my heart,” says Mrs. Manley.
This Veterans Day was also very special for both the Waterville and Blue Rapids communities. A stretch of highway, between Waterville and Blue Rapids, was dedicated to two Waterville fallen soldiers, CPL Allen E. Oatney and SP4 Gene A. Myers. Oatney and Myers both served in the Vietnam War, but never made it home.
Article by Taya Smith