Cold weather didn’t dampen the enthusiasm Donley County residents showed for America’s veterans during ceremonies held here over the last few days.
Clarendon High School’s Bronco Band and members of BSA Troop 433 saluted those who have served in the military with a special halftime music and flag show during the Broncos’ football game Friday night.
Outdoor ceremonies planned for Monday morning were moved inside in both Clarendon and Hedley. The American Legion and Hedley school services were widely praised and did an outstanding job of honoring veterans’ service. The school also continued it tradition of serving a thanksgiving meal to the veterans and their families.
In Clarendon, about 25 people assembled in the VFW Hall with Post Commander Nathan Floyd serving as master of ceremonies. The service included a patriotic singing and a wreath presentation by Civil Air Patrol Cadet Tyler Paul in memory of fallen veterans and those listed as prisoners of war or missing in action.
In a speech, Floyd said veterans were just ordinary people until they left their homes to defend the country and he urged Americans to do their part in protecting freedom.
“Vote. Speak out against injustice. Teach children,” he said. “Live in the freedom they protected.”
A service at Clarendon College Monday night was keynoted by Dick Bode of Alanreed, who spoke about his experience as a young boy while his father worked against the Nazis in the Dutch underground resistance. Bode, who later moved to the United States and served in the US Air Force, talked about the greatness of America and pronounced that he is “an American by choice.”
Clarendon Elementary closed out the services honoring veterans Tuesday afternoon with a program at the Bronco Gym. In addition to special music sung by kids in grades first through fifth, veterans received handmade gifts from the students and were treated to a meal following the service.
The VFW Auxiliary asks for volunteers to help pick up flags at Citizens Cemetery on Monday, November 18, at 4:30 p.m.
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