News : Vinton Shellsburg Salutes our Veterans

The high school created a flag as part of the Veteran's assembly at Vinton-Shellsburg. Thank you to Leon Schwenker for capturing the image.

Hands down, one of the best events that Vinton-Shellsburg provides for the community is the annual Veterans Assembly. Denny Miller added the finishing touch to the table set for the POW/MIA veterans at the beginning of the ceremony, always a touching moment. 

As I snapped photos, I realized that I was trying to capture the feeling of the assembly via the clicks of the camera, at the same time knowing that I simply couldn't do it justice. Through my viewfinder, I could see a young man singing with gusto about honoring our veterans. Placing his hand over his heart, but I missed the shot, it was blurry. He directed from the back row the music he was singing between covering his heart in appreciation for our veterans. This young man really felt the words that he was singing. 

Music performed for the Veterans began with 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders singing a patriotic medley of "My Country Tis of Thee" and "You're a grand old flag." Several songs were sung to the veterans one was called "Marching for our Veterans" where the children had the opportunity to use their energy marching along with the music. 

Braxton Morrison, a veteran himself addressed the crowd with his service dog, Niko at his side. Morrison now works in the community with Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition. "Retrieving Freedom" was the recipient of the annual fundraiser by the school to assist an organization who helps veterans. Retrieving Freedon, trains dogs to help those with physical or mental challenges. Kelly Steffen was able to present the organization with the donations at the gathering. 

The veterans also took a moment to introduce themselves and where or how they served. This is an opportunity to meet the veterans and appreciate where they have served. The ceremony wrapped up with the song "Proud to be an American." Surrounded by hundreds of young and old singers alike as we declared that we are indeed proud Americans, making the heart swell with pride in our country and especially our veterans. The line of the song which says, "And I gladly stand up.." was sung each time with such gusto, that it made me appreciate even more all of the work that Steffen and the music directors put into organizing this event. Well done!

The students also created red poppies to be handed out to each of the veterans to go along with a red carnation that they were presented to each veteran.

There were lighthearted moments throughout the introductions of the veterans. There was a reminder that there is a tenderloin dinner on Thursday night from 5-7:00 p.m. the George G. Luckey Post in Vinton will be serving the meal for $10 each at the Legion. Veterans and active service members will eat free this week. (If you attend, and aren't in the service, throw the legion a little extra cash if you can to help cover their expenses. The details are in the photo.) There is our lone veteran of the Coast Guard, Alan Woodhouse, which is always met with a bit of bragging and ribbing by other branches. Stories were told of recruitment and the process of passing the physicals that made the crowd chuckle. But there was also heartfelt sharing from the veterans thanking the families that serve alongside each of them.

These men and women are the best of the best in our community. And again, all I can think of to sum up my feelings is another heartfelt, thank you. There aren't words that can adequately sum up our appreciation for all that you've done on our behalf. But know that we love and appreciate each one of you. 

Here are a few pictures snapped from the event.