Pictured:  Ora Lee Ward, Fran Bouma, Gary Baker, and Pete Boer were the color bearers for the program.

Edgerton Public National Honor Society students, with assistance from their advisor, math teacher Jamie DeJong, planned and organized a special Veterans Day program for all the students who attend school in Edgerton as well as other interested members of the community. The event was held at 9:00 on Veterans Day morning, in the SWC gymnasium.

Twelve members of Post 42 American Legion Auxiliary attended the program. Dick Ruiter, commander of Post 42 American Legion Auxiliary of Edgerton, was the master of ceremonies. Chaplain Gerrit Kroontje led poetic prayers, a Memorial Prayer and a Veterans Day prayer, as part of the program.

Special music was performed by musical groups from each of the schools. First, an Edgerton High School Choir ensemble sang our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. Next, the SWC Chamber Choir sang In God We Trust.

The Veterans Day speaker was Navy veteran Reverend Seth Atsma of the Reformed Church in Chandler. He spoke about his oath going into the service, which was the same of all members entering any branch in the service. All members support the Constitution. He explained to all the students and other attendees that if you want to thank a veteran, do so by supporting and defending the rights of your neighbors. If people are only concerned about themselves they’ll find that they are weak, but if they support each other, they will find strength in community.

Finally, the Edgerton High School Band played Marches of The Armed Forces representing the five branches of the military. Near the very end, Taps was played by Aaron Veldhuizen and Shibley Vande Griend.

A Disposal of Unserviceable Flags Ceremony had been planned, but was canceled due to the wind. If anyone has a flag that needs to be disposed of, it can be taken to the American Legion. They are stored until a flag disposal ceremony is scheduled.

These American Legion and Auxiliary members help make the Veterans Day program every year. Pictured are (back) Commander Dick Ruiter, Jerold Schoolmeester, Gerrit Kroontje, Gary Baker, Pete Boer, Cal Groen, and Art Spronk; (front) Sophie Schoolmeester, Harriet Kroontje, Ora Lee Ward, and Mayme Spronk; Not pictured is Fran Bouma. (photos by Diana Hensley)