Veterans Day was celebrated by the Raccoon Grade School District on Friday. Superintendent Misty Johannes welcomed district veterans with a thank you for their service.
“As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, let’s remember the significance of this day,” Johannes said. “It’s not just a day off of school or work. It’s a day to pause and appreciate the extraordinary sacrifices that have been made for our freedom. It’s a day to honor those who have served and reflect on how we can support them now and in the future.”
Salem Mayor Nic Farley noted how Veterans Day started in 1919 as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War 1 before being changes to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all vets.
“Veterans aren’t just people in history books or people you see on TV,” Farley said. “They are our neighbors, our family members, and in some cases even our teachers. We have over 2000 residents in Marion County that are veterans, including 400 in Salem alone. Veterans might not wear a uniform anymore, but they still serve in our communities every day, inspiring us with their commitment to duty and honor.”
Mayor Nic Farley speaks at Raccoon Grade School.
Farley noted in addition to those retired from military service, 170,000 are currently serving in the military around the globe.
The veterans were treated to the Presentation of the Colors by the Salem American Legion, music by the students, poems read by two students Morrighan Ball and Mason Gallatin-Beecher, the playing of Taps, and the setting of the Missing Man’s Table by several eighth-grade students. The program concluded with a catered lunch.
Students set the Missing Man’s Table.
