Adrian honors the brave - Veterans Day 2010

By MICHELE BURRIS

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th months of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11 became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

Area veterans gathered at the Veterans Memorial for a short service to honor American veterans on November 11, 2010 (pictured right). They were honored in various ways throughout the day, including school assemblies. Adrian R-III began the day with a tribute to the veterans. Don Arndt, a Vietnam Veteran and one of four men behind the creation of the Veterans Memorial, delivered a heartfelt message to the students and faculty. Following Don’s presentation, Vietnam Veteran George Bruto said that everyone should remember the 56 men who started it all when they signed the Declaration of Independence, who gave their lives for our freedom.

A slide show highlighted area veterans, both current and past. The 4th and 5th Grade Blackhawk Singers performed three patriotic songs and AHS student Chase Reynolds played “Taps” (pictured far right). In conclusion, veteran Mark Durbin thanked the students and the school. The veterans stood in appreciation and applauded (middle picture).