On Wednesday, 23 November 2016, in rural Custer County, Elk Mountain School students presented their Veterans Day program to friends, relatives, neighbors, and veterans. Over forty strong, those guests came from local ranches and towns, and as far away as Wyoming, Nebraska, and New Hampshire.
What they saw was a wonderful patriotic program honoring our nation's veterans. The program began with a welcome from Superintendent and Korean War Veteran Curt Voight. He asked all veterans to stand and introduce themselves. Remaining standing those veterans from WWII to present were each given a flower by a student. Various students formally thanked the veterans with their own prepared statements. And then the students performed patriotic music complete with episodes of marching in place and through the audience.
Concluding the program, a lunch was provided with students and faculty joining the guests. Following lunch the students retired the outdoor colors, properly folding the flag as they do every school day. They then raised new colors donated by Custer County Legionnaires.
A delightful time, this country school student conducted Veterans Day program was a rare treat. A common event not too long ago, with country schools vanishing across America, all attending enjoyed the program immensely and felt privileged to have been invited.
Well done, Elk Mountain School!
WWII Veteran Legionnaire Floyd R. Mills receiving flower from a shy student.
Elk Mountain School students preparing to declaim and sing.
Patriotic songs with enthusiasm!
Johnny came marching home through the audience.
Students retiring the colors as they do every school day.
Students folding the flag.
Students raising their new colors.
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