Veterans Honored at Platteview High School Program

On Thursday, November 11th, 2021 Platteview High School held its annual Veteran’s Day celebration. Over 150 community members and veterans joined the middle and high school students, faculty, and staff in tribute to the United States military and veterans. 

Early in the morning students arrived at school, linking up their trucks along 108th and Platteview with attached American flags flying. Senior Jacob Zimmerman, despite the wind and rain the day before, placed dozens of American flags on the hill in front of the school. Through the efforts of Jacob and other students, they created a welcoming environment for the arriving community members and veterans.

The flags outside, weren’t only flags decorating the outside of the school. Students also worked to decorate the inside of the school. Students in Intro to Skilled and Technical Services classes created wooden flag holders that decorated the school’s hallways. Students from the elementary school also created multiple art projects and notes, thanking the veterans for their service. 

One student club, Skills USA, created and sold t-Shirts for Veteran’s day. This year’s shirts were designed by senior Xavier Walker. The shirts raised money for charities that help homeless veterans, paying for housing, food, and other necessary services. “The purpose for this is to give back to the vets who have given so much for us,” said Michael Bos, teacher and sponsor of Skills USA.

The Veterans program began with Principal Ron Alexander welcoming students, veterans, and other guests. Afterward, the Platteview Choir, directed by Matt King, performed the National Anthem. Levi Ekue and Maddie Romans, middle school students, then led the crowd in reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Following the introductions, students of Platteview Central Junior High presented the flags of the different branches of services. Erin Wyss, Ryker Jensen, Sam Smith, Ethan Nelson, and Kinsley Knief were the students who presented each of the flags for the different services. While these students walked across the floor carrying the flags, the Platteview band played the songs of each branch of service. During the flags ceremony, members of the crowd stood who served or have family members who served in the branch of the military being recognized.

After the last flag was paraded through the high school gym, Scott Jensen along with his father, Jim Jensen read a roll call of all the veteran’s present at the event. In total, 117 veterans were present at this year’s ceremony. After all of the veterans were called, Jim Jenson saluted the veterans and thanked them for their service. 

Following the roll call, Platteview’s superintendent, Dr. Saunders, introduced the keynote speaker: Admiral Charles A. Richard, commander of US STRATCOM at Offutt Air Force Base. Admiral Richard, who served for over 39 years in the US Navy, spoke to students and veterans alike: “I’ve never seen anything like this [event.]” Admiral Richard related the importance and value of Veterans Day saying, “Veterans day gives us an opportunity to recognize what the men and women have done for us … Our nation remains a beacon of liberty because our men and women put service before self.”  

After Admiral Richard’s speech, the Platteview Band performed a “Missing Man” tribute. A missing man tribute refers to four planes flying over a burial and one plane leaves formation, leaving an empty space. This space is to represent the loss of the person. While Platteview could not have jets flying over, they recreated the effect by playing the sound of fighter jets through the speakers. Following this tribute, Nate Geiger, a local musician, played the song, “If You Are Reading This,” another tribute for fallen Veterans who could not return home.

As the program continued, Platteview payed honor to the thirteen Marines who were killed doing their duty in evacuating the Kabul Airport on August, 26th 2021. As music played, Platteview students placed roses at the base of a memorial for all Veterans who did not return from their service. While students placed the roses, the pictures of the thirteen soldiers who gave their lives at the Kabul Airport were displayed. The final thirteenth rose was placed in honor of Corporal Daegan w. Paige, a recent graduate of Millard South High School. This final rose was placed by Gunnery Sergeant Travis Bierma, who also presented a bouquet of flowers to the Corporal Paige’s mother and step-father. Afterward, Marla Janak, former band teacher at Platteview, played “Taps,” followed by a moment of silence.

To conclude the ceremony, Senior Class President Luke Smith gave the closing remarks, saying, “Thank you again for attending today’s event. Our only ask of you is that each of you keep alive the spirit of appreciation and reverence of our military members and their service, sacrifice and courage. Wherever your travels take you today, be safe.”