A day of celebration for Ray County vets
, News reporter
11-13-2009
Veterans Day actually began Tuesday evening, when Vietnam veteran Jim Rippy and co-horts loaded up American flags in the back of his pick-up truck and placed them in the holders.Their efforts made Richmond a stirring sight yesterday. Golden morning light highlighted the American flags lining both sides of Main Street as they rippled in the breeze – and that was just the start.
On Wednesday morning, veterans were invited to the Ray County Veterans Community Memorial building for a biscuits and gravy breakfast cooked and served hot by the auxiliary. One of the bright spots of the morning was when the veterans looked through the many pictures and cut outs the elementary students had made for them. So pleased were they with the artwork and the thought that went into them, that they all gathered in front of the building and requested a picture be taken.
“This one’s going on my locker,” said veteran Don Louks, holding up a picture made by ‘Kody.’
At 8 a.m., Dear Elementary students met on the lawn in front of the school to dedicate a new flagpole. Principal Carole Garth credited office secretary Liz Waddell with the idea.
“It was all Liz’s idea. She said we should contact the veterans about the flagpole and for what size of flag to fly,” said Garth. “I’m glad we did this today. It was great.”
Veterans Jimmy Norris and Jim Richardson attached the new flag then raised it slowly, as the children watched.
Small in stature, but mighty in spirit and voice, the pre-schoolers, kindergartners and first grade students belted out an enthusiastic “Star Spangled Banner” under the direction of Dear music teacher Sarah Manning, followed by The Pledge of Allegiance.
“They didn’t miss a word, or a note,” said Louks with a smile. “They were great!”
Teachers, staff and guests were very pleased with the efforts of the young students, some even wiping a tear or two away, touched by the music.
As students returned to their classrooms, the veterans lined up on each side of the school’s entrance and shook hands or exchanged ‘high 5s’ with them. It was difficult to tell who enjoyed this the most – the veterans or the students.
Richmond High School’s Marching Spartan Band kicked off the beginning of the Veterans Day ceremony at the Ray County Courthouse by playing the National Anthem.
A respectable crowd of residents, veterans, students, and business people clustered around the monuments on the grounds to listen to the band, speakers and fifth graders.
Richmond Middle School teacher Carol Williamson read the poem, “In Flanders Fields.”
Sunrise Elementary students sang two patriotic selections. Speakers included Rep. Bob Nance and VFW Commander Larry Brune. A second poem was read by Mary Rauber.
Seven of the members of the first Richmond National Guard unit were recognized for their service. The unit was activated in 1950. (Look for this story in tomorrow’s edition of The Daily News)
Roses were presented to them and to each World War II veteran in attendance.
The band played a medley of patriotic music that included the hymns from each branch of service. Applause broke out from the audience as the music of each branch was recognized, and those that served in that branch raised their hands.
Floral arrangements were laid at the base of each of the three veterans monuments on the east side of the courthouse.
The Ray County Honor Guard presented the traditional 21-gun salute.
The mournful sound of a bugle, or in this case, a trumpet, rang out over the assembly as RHS senior Kristen Phillips played “Taps.”
On Tuesday, students and teacher Joyce O’Dell at Orrick High School put on their annual Veterans Concert. (Look for a Linda Brookshier story on the event in an upcoming edition of The Daily News).
Photo: Korean veteran Everett Ishmael laid a wreath at the base of the World War II Memorial at the Ray County Courthouse yesterday.
Other Top Stories
