It was a special homecoming for 2024 TKHS grad Emma Burton, who is being deployed with the Navy for the first time within the coming weeks. She was thrilled, she said, to be able to attend this year’s event and see it through the eyes of a veteran and not a student.
Some veterans were welcomed by their children or grandchildren who attend TKHS, but it didn’t matter if the veterans had any relations with anyone in the packed gymnasium or not. Students and the community gathered to honor and thank them all.
Students from the advanced placement U.S. History class welcomed the guests and offered readings and their own thoughts on Veterans Day. Gage Novack talked about his great-grandfather.
“When I think of an amazing veteran, my mind instantly goes to my great-grandpa, Reuben Fish. He enlisted in the United States Army as a combat infantryman in 1943 and fought alongside many of his classmates he had graduated with just a few years ago. During World War II, while in France, he fought in the historic Battle of Normandy, also known as D-Day,” said Novak.
“Despite succumbing to multiple injuries and witnessing the gruesome deaths of his friends during this battle, he miraculously survived and will be turning 103 this December. There is no better time to show our gratitude to our great veterans than today. Let's show them our gratitude and respect through not only our words, but our actions,” said Novak.
He reminded everyone what Veterans Day is all about. “For many of us Americans, it is easy to take our freedom for granted. However, thanks to Veterans Day we can properly honor and thank those who are selfless enough to risk their lives to protect our liberties. Veterans are the very thing that allow us Americans to celebrate and take pride in our freedom. It is thanks to them that all of us here are not subject to the horrors and devastation brought by War,” said Novak.
Brian Webb, a retired Army chaplain, was the honored guest speaker for the morning event. During his time in the service, he was responsible for the personal family notification of the majority of the soldiers killed in action in the National Guard in Michigan.
“I've been to 109 doors and brought the worst news anyone could ever get. We must never forget the price paid. Our soldiers and veterans though, are the best of the best. Whether Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, or Coast Guard, they all see serving their country as their sacred obligation. We too have an obligation now to support them after the battle is over.”
He said it is critical to remember the sacrifices made. “I want to thank the veterans that sit before us today. Thank you for signing up and even if you didn't sign up, thank you for entering the call when your country came knocking. Thank you for going and confronting the enemy that was in front of you to protect the ones who were behind you - your loved ones…We can never repay the sacrifices made. To all of our veterans, today, we commit to continue to be there for you. We know that many have left one battle to encounter other battles at home. We are committed to fighting these with you and for you,” he said.
He said through his work now, he hopes to bring more awareness to eliminate veterans being homeless in America and veterans dying of suicide.
He talked to the student body about their dreams and goals and acknowledged there were probably some who can’t wait to be of age to serve. He encouraged them to get themselves in shape, physically, mentally, and emotionally before they join. He also encouraged them to believe they can do anything they want and have hope for their successful futures no matter where they come from or what their background has been.
“Hope is powerful. It is hope that we need to give our veterans and their families so they know that they are appreciated and that we need them in our lives to lead us into the future, better prepared to overcome the next time that war knocks on America’s door. Because it will. But war will not have the last word here. Hope will. And hope comes from you and I engaging in the lives of those who live within our communities and for today, especially, for our veterans that have served so that we all can be free. It’s time to get to work.”
His words of hope and inspiration brought the students to a thunderous round of applause for him and for all the veterans.
Several students were involved in the Veterans Day ceremony. Katelyn Chase welcomed all the veterans and community members to the 14th annual event followed by the American Legion Post 140 Color Guard presenting the flags.
TKHS student Savannah Minshall read the meaning of the MIA POW Table set in front of the audience, and Carmen Reynolds read a poem entitled “The Bravest Man I know.” Cayla Brouwer followed with a reading called “They Did Their Share,” and Molly Alden read “Thank A Veteran: A Veterans Day Poem.”
History teacher Mr. Dudik announced the roll call for the veterans seated in front of the crowd. One-by-one each member of the different services stood for recognition and rounds of applause.
Throughout the ceremony, pictures of veterans from the area kept streaming across a screen. The high school band performed a spirited rendition of “Armed Forces on Parade,” and later a selection called “Alamo.” It was the solo trumpets echoing across the gymnasium as they played “Taps” that reminded everyone of the ultimate price some gave to protect their country.
The TKHS honors choir performed two beautiful songs, “My America,” and “Because of the Brave.”
A final standing ovation broke out as TKHS Principal thanked the veterans for attending the program and for their service. As students left the gym, they greeted many of the veterans - shaking their hands and offering their own thanks.