Thank you, veterans

There is something about the American flag that gives even the weakest of veterans the energy to rise and salute proudly as it passes.

It's the same something that brings tears to the eyes of men and women as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance or softly sing about the Stars and Stripes waving over the land of the free and home of the brave.

That something, and the men and women who sacrificed to uphold it, were honored this week by students during special Veterans Day ceremonies in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City schools.

"Veterans Day is our country's thank-you to the men and women in the armed forces," said Justin Voss, a senior at Notre Dame Regional High School who participated in the school's ceremony Thursday. "It's important for us to remember those who served and show our appreciation for what they've done."

Hundreds of area veterans attended the ceremonies, which included patriotic music and recognition of their service to the country.

"We look to our veterans as examples of honor and patriotism," said Dr. Mike Cowan, principal at Central High School. "On Veterans Day we honor those who have served and sacrificed for the cause of liberty."

Central's program, "A Tribute to Veterans," is in its 10th year now. It was first organized by librarian Julia Jorgensen in honor of her late father, a World War II veteran.

"Admiration and respect for our veterans are not enough," Jorgensen said. "Each man and woman who fought to preserve freedom is a hero and should be treated as a hero."

This year's tribute at Central Thursday included a brief history of each of America's wars and recognition of those who lost their lives. The school also presented honorary diplomas to John Seabaugh and Edward Kaiser, both Cape Girardeau residents who did not graduate because they joined the military.

Unlike in previous years, focus was placed not just on veterans of past wars but on the men and women currently fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

At Scott City High School's Veterans Day observance Wednesday, the guest speaker was police chief Don Cobb, a National Guard reservist who was deployed for a year in Iraq with the 2175th Military Police Company. School bands provided patriotic music.

Maj. Brent Cotton, chief of operations law at the headquarters of the 8th Air Force in Barksdale, La., was the guest speaker at Notre Dame's ceremony.

Cotton, who has family ties in Sikeston, Mo., and Cape Girardeau, spoke about the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of veterans and also the importance of supporting those currently serving in the U.S. military.

He asked students to consider following in the veterans' footsteps.

"Veterans Day is not just a day for us to remember, it's a day to consider your role in the future of our nation," Cotton said. "I challenge you to take that chance. You'll learn so much about yourself and your fellow countrymen."

cclark@semissourian.com

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