Weiser schools honor veterans at assemblies

Weiser schools took time  last week to host Veterans Day assemblies in honor of U.S. military veterans.

 The federal holiday is observed annually on Nov. 11, but due to the four-day school week, the assemblies were held on Thursday, Nov. 10. 

 The programs, which took place at Weiser High School, Weiser Middle School, Park Intermediate and Pioneer Elementary schools, honored those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

 “I think it’s incredibly important that we recognize our veterans – their sacrifices, commitment, and dedication to the whole community and to our country,” said Weiser High School Principal Dave Davies. “We want to take time to remind our students that this is a time to pause and thank these veterans for what they have done on our behalf.”

 Veterans Day coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other countries to mark the end of World War I.

 It became a federal holiday in the U.S. in 1938 when it was still known as Armistice Day. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a proclamation designating it as Veterans Day to honor all veterans who have served our country.

 That same year, the phrase “under God” was added to the Pledge of Allegiance, which is still recited in many classrooms and civic assemblies across the nation today.

 Thursday’s program at Weiser High School featured a color guard, the National Anthem sung by the school choir, and a performance of the Armed Forces Medley by the school band.

 In addition, color guard members demonstration a flag-folding ceremony typically conducted during a service member’s funeral. 

 Capping it all off was the playing of “Taps” performed by John Hoff on his bugle, which temporarily created a somber and reflective atmosphere in the W.H.S. gym.

 “We do this every year and we’ve been doing it for over 30 years or longer,” said U.S. Marine Corp. Capt. (Ret.) and former Weiser School District teacher, Mike Carpenter. “We do it to honor our living veterans. We go to all four schools.”

 New this year is an effort to make school kids aware of the importance of “Old Glory” and what it stands for.

 “One of the things we are emphasizing is bringing respect back to the flag,” Carpenter said, addressing the student body and all those in attendance. “These are the colors we fought for, which gives all of us the freedoms we so enjoy every day.”

 There have been many veterans from Weiser who fought in wars across the globe and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

 United States Air Force and Army National Guard veteran, Steve Fenske, reminded attendees on Thursday that 21 men from Weiser died in defense of their country during World War I, 53 during World War II, and five during the Korean War.

 Fenske, who joined the military in 1969 immediately following high school graduation, said “I don’t regret the years I spent.” He retired in 1999.

 Weiser High ASB President, Kasey Kautz, said several of his family members served in the armed forces and that he believes it is important to remember our veterans.

 “It’s definitely a really big thing for us,” said Kautz, representing his fellow classmates. “There are so many people risking their lives to defend our country, and this is the least we can do to show our appreciation for them, by honoring them and recognizing what they have done. I appreciate that we have the opportunity to do this.”

 Kautz added that he was not previously aware of the significance of a flag-folding ceremony.

 “I didn’t realize there was a meaning for every fold,” said Kautz, who said he has explored the idea of becoming a military medic, but has not yet made any decisions.