Local veterans honored at school assemblies

The Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools hosted two Veterans Day assemblies on Nov. 5 to honor local veterans for their service, and dedication to their country and community.

Lind-Ritzville Middle School hosted the first Veterans Day assembly of the day on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m.

The assembly began with a welcome from Katheran Gingrich, the Associated Student Body (ASB) President and was followed by the 16 Veterans in attendance introducing themselves and sharing which branch they served for.

The middle school band then played the Star Spangled Banner, which was followed by Lind Girl Scout Troop No. 1310 leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Julia Klein, the ASB Secretary, gave a ‘Welcome Veterans’ speech, which was followed by Rachel Nygren who gave the history of Veterans Day.

There were numerous essays read on the topic of ‘What Freedom Means’. Amy Anderson, Julia Klein, Rachel Nygren and Spencer Miller each read their essays.

Mayor of Lind Jamie Schmunk gave a brief speech and thanked the Veterans for their service.

The band then followed by playing United We Stand.

In closing Alibama Rushing, the ASB Activities Coordinator, thanked the students, community members and Veterans for attending their assembly.

The students then shook each veterans hand and thanked them for their service.

In the afternoon, the Ritzville School District hosted a Veterans Day assembly in Gilson Gym. An estimated 30 veterans attended the ceremony and were recognized for their valor and service.

The ASB officers from Lind-Ritzville High School coordinated and ran the ceremony.

The local VFW and American Legion Honor Guard presented the colors for the ceremony, while the local Cub Scouts recited the Cub Scout Promise.

Throughout the ceremony, the ASB officers presented patriotic readings and individually recognized the veterans in attendance.

The Lind-Ritzville Band completed multiple musical numbers, including the Star Spangled Banner and United We Stand.

The Ritzville fourth grade class performed a bell-ringing rendition of “America” followed by singing the same song. Susan Schafer directed the fourth grade performance.

Kennea Teal also sang “If You’re Reading This” during the assembly.

Throughout the ceremony, videos honoring veterans and telling the history of patriotic American traditions were played.

The ASB also completed a slideshow, honoring many of the local heroes from the Lind and Ritzville communities.

At the conclusion for the ceremony, students from the district had the opportunity to meet the veterans and thank them for the service.

The Lind-Ritzville High School culinary class also provided cookies for the veterans and their families.