NEWELL—A small school delivered a mighty and heartfelt tribute to America’s current and former service members during the Newell School Veterans Day Program on November 11 in Austin Auditorium.
A warm welcome was given by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Wyatt Vander Vorst, MS/HS Social Studies Teacher. He welcomed and thanked veterans for participating, as well as community members for attending and staff for preparing the kids to present the special program.
The highlight of the program had to be all of the beautiful music presented under the direction of Kimberly Bachman, music director. Patriotic Medley and Star-Spangled Banner were played by the middle school and high school band. The middle school and high school choir sang America the Beautiful, while the elementary students performed a well-choreographed routine as they sang Thank You Soldiers.
The 7th grade and the 12th grade presented patriotic poetry. We Honor You Today was the selection from the middle school and What It Means to Me was the piece performed by the seniors.
Digital music, A Tribute to the Armed Services, showcased all of the branches of the US Armed Forces. Veterans were asked to stand when the song that represents the branch they served in played. The service members obliged and as they arose, loud cheers and claps greeted them.
The guest speaker for the event was Mr. Lance Putnam. After giving an extensive introduction on all of the service he has given to our country, he was invited to the podium. His background includes 26 years of service with five completed combat tours and multiple tours into hostile environments. Putnam has two Bronze Stars and four Meritorious Service Medals. He advised two U.S. presidents during times of international crisis. Even though he is retired, he still deploys, advises and consults with humanitarian organizations working around the world in natural disaster areas and areas of hostile conflict. Putnam and his wife of 28 years moved to Newell in 2024.
Putnam began speaking about all the men and women who were present at the program that swore an oath to support and defend our Constitution. “Now we don’t always agree in this country, but we are still the greatest country in the world, and some of these men and women served in times of war and others served in times of peace. Some volunteered to serve and others were drafted and told to serve,” he said. “But nevertheless, when the nation needed them, each one of these men and women answered the call and served out of honor and duty—regardless of the circumstances—they put their personal opinions aside and chose to serve a greater ideal and purpose—a purpose that is found in our nation’s values and morals.”
He went on to recount a story from WWII with the theme of “Earn it.” Putnam explained, “Don’t let your life be wasted. Don’t let the honor of these men that died to save your life be for nothing. So here’s my question for all of you today, how are you going to earn it?” He then told how in different countries he has been to, people don’t have the same rights as they do in America. Then he said, “Many of us here today are still living with those scars of war. So go out and do good for our world, be creative, be the best student you can be. Be the best rancher or farmer or whatever it is you decide to do in life, go out and earn it! Don’t forget the men and women who have served to ensure that we have every freedom and opportunity imaginable!”
Nila Charles with the local VFW was on hand to award the Patriot’s Pen Essay winners. The theme this year was How are you showing patriotism and support for your country? “Our VFW-sponsored Patriot’s Pen Essay contest is open to sixth, seventh and eighth graders. For every 15 entries, our post can send one first place winner to the district level to be judged,” she explained. “We have 13 entries so only one will qualify for the next level.”
The winner was Zane Johnson. He received $40 and shared his essay by reading it to the audience.
After the VFW veterans retired the colors, the veterans and their families were invited to stay for a light brunch provided by the senior class. Vander Vorst said, “So veterans and family, if you would be so kind as to stay for that so we can visit, that would be wonderful! We also ask that before you guys leave, take time to shake hands with these men and women who made all this possible, these veterans that we honor not just today, but we should honor a lot more often than we do as a country.”
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