Marinette High School honors Veterans Day

MARINETTE – On Nov. 11 the Marinette High School (MHS) hosted their annual Veterans Day celebration. In recognition of honorable work done by generations of veterans, MHS students showed their appreciation with music and speeches.

The hour-long program began with musical performances of patriotic songs by the MHS band, led by Band Director Hilary Oskey, and the MHS choir, directed by Cyndee Giebler.

After thanking the student performers, MHS Assistant Principal Matt Draheim said, “We are here today to honor all service members, past and present, and to remember the sacrifices they have made and the courage it took to defend our country. The service members we honor today came from all walks of life, but they shared several fundamental qualities. They possessed courage, pride, determination, selflessness, integrity and bravery.”

Assistant Principal Draheim spoke on the history of Veterans Day, changed in 1954 from the original Armistice Day established in 1919, before welcoming Carrie Felch from American Legion Post 39 to the stage.

Felch, a Navy Veteran, spoke on the difficulties many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life and how to support veterans.

“Do your part by serving alongside them as an advocate, volunteer for veteran organizations and outreach programs, display the American flag with pride, donate to nonprofits that support the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families,” Felch said.

“This Veterans Day, let’s honor the generations of men and women who chose to put service before self,” she added.

Next on the stage was Cody Parkovich, a 2004 MHS graduate and Marine Corps airframe hydraulics mechanic from 2005-2010. Parkovich addressed the question of what Veterans Day means to him. He noted that while the day has a different significance to all service members, the memories he often reflects on involve “accomplishment and laughter” as well as “brotherhood and camaraderie.”

Following a choir performance of “In Flanders Fields,” led by student soloists Ben and Brandon, Assistant Principal Draheim welcomed student speakers Elizabeth Wade and Zach Wingers, two sophomores who wrote about the importance of Veterans Day in Taylor Pedersen’s Honors English 10 class.
Wingers used the opportunity to recognize the unique work done by every branch of the United States military and thank them for protecting American freedom.

“Veterans are some of the most impactful people in our lives. Whether you are overseas, on reserve or actively serving in any branch of our military, I hope you realize the influence and impact you have on so many people’s lives,” Wade said.

To close out the ceremony, Assistant Principal Draheim led the crowd in a minute of silence to recognize those who gave their lives before MHS trumpeters played their tribute.

Reflecting on the success of the Veterans Day program, event organizer and Social Studies Department Head Mikal Gunderson said “So many students have someone in their life who has served in the armed forces, and learning about their contributions is necessary to not only thank their loved ones for their service, but also understand the true meaning of this day for our country.”

The video of the ‘2024 MHS Veterans Day Program’ can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/@mikalgunderson9859.