Exeter-Milligan schools upheld the tradition of recognizing
and honoring Veteran’s on Veteran’s Day on Monday morning, November 11.
Exeter-Milligan Senior Alex Benorden welcomed the crowd
before Exeter Cub Scout Pack 218 presented the colors and led the crowd in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
The crowd remained standing while the Exeter-Milligan High
School Band played the “Star Spangled Banner.”
The band also performed “America, the Beautiful,” before
requesting that all veterans present stand when their service branch theme song
was played. The band played a medley of the theme songs in “America’s
Finest.”
Exeter-Milligan’s own Tim Wilbeck, a Vietnam Veteran, gave
the message at the program. Wilbeck’s emphasis was on appreciating and
honoring the veterans among us.
Wilbeck began his speech with sobering statistics, “More
than one member a day of active military or reserves commit suicide. More
service members die by their own hand every day than die in combat in
Afghanistan.”
“We have a duty to those who have experienced the horrors of
war first hand. . .it is up to us to ensure that every veteran knows his
service is appreciated,” explained Wilbeck.
Wilbeck went on to tally up how many veterans from each war
are still living with veterans of the Vietnam war being the largest
group. With World War II veterans aging their numbers are falling
quickly.
“We must honor not just those who fought but all who have
served in our armed forces. They expressed their willingness to serve and
even die for this country,” noted Wilbeck.
He spoke of veterans who have lost limbs and how some were
able to make a difference with the victims of the Boston Marathon
bombings. Wilbeck spoke of two wounded warriors who visited Boston
victims six days after the attack. One of the wounded warriors explained
to those who had just lost limbs, “This isn’t the end, this is the beginning.”
“This was an inspirational story of a veteran, not the
technology for those who have lost a limb. This came from the heart,”
said Wilbeck.
Wilbeck touched upon one of the often forgotten groups of
veterans, the women who have served our country and lost their lives.
“There are 1.2 million women veterans in American who deserve our
support. There are 22 million veterans who need to be treated as
saviors of our country.”
Wilbeck read a poem by Andrea C. Brett, “I Am a Veteran,”
before requesting that “God bless America and God bless our veterans.”
The Exeter-Milligan Junior High Choir sang “Our America,”
which was comprised of many popular songs that celebrate our country. The
Exeter-Milligan High School Choir members Kimberlin Ruhl and Hunter Stride
performed “My America,” and then were joined by Friends of Vocal to perform
“Inscription of Hope.”
Exeter-Milligan Senior Erica Yound dismissed the attendees
from the program.
Butch Jansen, Alan Songster and Larry Cudaback.
Mark Beethe and Kenny Due
Bob Dumpert
Anthony Due
Exeter-Milligan band performed several numbers.
Tim Wilbeck gave the speech.
Exeter-Milligan Junior High Choir performed "Our America."
Hunter Stride (left) and Kimberlin Ruhl sing "My America."
Exeter-Milligan Choir and Friends of Vocal perform "Inscription of Hope."
Erica Yound dismisses the crowd.
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