BURLINGAME—Burlingame Elementary School hosted one of a dozen Veterans Day activities on Nov. 11, honoring all veterans of the United States military branches.
The afternoon ceremony opened with the Burlingame cub scouts color guard placing flags, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
Tamara Buche, Burlingame Elementary School principal, welcomed the crowd and introduced the students, which represented major conflicts throughout American history.
The kindergarten class represented the Revolutionary War; first grade, the Mexican/American War; second grade, the Spanish/American War and the Civil War; third grade, World War I and World War II; fourth grade, Korean War; fifth grade, Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War; and sixth grade, the War on Terror.
Retired Colonel Bob Bloomquist, the guest speaker for the event, gave a nod to the schools football success – “the best season at the school since he graduated 40 years ago.”
He spoke of the roots of Armistice Day and later Veterans Day in Emporia, and thanked veterans and their families, as well as first responders. He addressed the youth in attendance, and asked them what they could do for America.
“We should all do some sort of service,” Bloomquist said. “Do something to help your country.”
The Burlingame band played through the service songs of each branch of the military, at which time members of those organizations stood to be recognized.
The elementary Treblecats sang “Those Who Served,” and Eric Pretyz and Remi Zwink performed “Taps” on two trumpets from an adjacent room where only the music was heard.
The performance was followed by a moment of silence and a retirement of colors.
Additional Veterans Day activities were conducted in Carbondale, Lebo, Lyndon, Osage City, Overbrook, Quenemo, Scranton and Vassar. Events included assemblies, meals and a retirement of flags on the courthouse lawn.
(See additional photos in this week’s print and a href=”http://www.och-c.com/?q=article/november-19-2015-%E2%80%93-pdf-edition”>PDF edition)
