Don Richardson receives the Veteran Volunteer Award from the Perry Elks Lodge 407 during the Veterans Day program on Nov. 11. 2025, at Perry Performing Arts Center.

The Perry Community School District honored all the brave men and women who served with its annual Veterans Day program on Tuesday.

The program, which was held in the Perry Performing Arts Center, saw members from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Color Guard begin with the posting of the colors. Mike Powell once again led the dedication as the Master of Ceremonies, and there were musical tributes performed by Perry Elementary and High School students. The keynote speaker was U.S. Navy Lieutenant William Halling, who retired in 2021, and is proud to have served his country.

“America is the greatest nation on the face of the Earth. I can vouch for that personally. And those of us that wore the uniform embrace that very much today, even with all of her faults, she’s still top of the heap.”

Also, the Perry Piecemakers Quilt Guild recognized TJ Maylum with a Quilt of Valor for his service in the Marine Corps. In addition, Don Richardson was given the Elks Veteran Award for his commitment to the Army Reserve. He comments that he was humbled by the honor.

“I was very surprised. Very nice to be appreciated, but it certainly wasn’t necessary, and it’s just a passion that we want to continue with every day. And to be recognized by the Elks Veterans Committee with the Perry Lodge and then the state of Iowa was a very special moment for me.”

The ceremony concluded with the Perry High School Select Choir performing “A Tribute to the Armed Services” where they transitioned between each branch’s song.