On Monday, both the Greene County and Paton-Churdan School Districts honored those who fought and are continuing to serve in the US military.

Greene County High School held its Veterans Day program with songs performed by some of the high school choir and band, along with a review of the history of Veterans Day with senior Sadie Shannon, a poem read by Leah McCormick, and a video with local veterans remarks. The guest speaker was Greene County Veterans Affairs Director Michael Bierl, who spoke about honoring all veterans and what their service means to all US citizens in defense of our freedoms. He also talked about when he served in the Air Force, and the brotherhood that is built within the military community.

“Serving in the military and serving our veterans here in Greene County, I really got to understand that our veterans all have a high degree of comradery with their peers, both while they were serving and after. And it’s something that stays with them for life. There’s that special bond that they have for each other, their branch of service, their freedom, their country and their flag.”   

Paton-Churdan had all grade levels on display with them either singing, giving out ‘thank you’ notes and other messages and treats, along with reciting poems, to the featured speaker Colonel Monica Brouse, of the 132nd Wing in Des Moines, who was introduced by fellow veterans Shane Olson. As part of her remarks, Brouse described the sacrifice families of the men and women who serve in the military must not be forgotten.

The P-C program wrapped up with the acknowledgement of the empty chairs with red roses on them near the front that were local veterans who passed away since last Veterans Day. Those included Cecil Hoyle, Paul Baumgartner, Dwayne Fiscus, Danny Borkowski and Clade Neiderheiser.