The Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School gave the Veterans a day to remember by hosting a Veterans' Day Celebration on November 11, 2024. This program was held at the Nemaha Central High School Gymnasium to honor our Veterans.
Kicking off the program, the students stood while the Color Guard and the Veterans entered. Once the Veterans were seated, eighth grader Jayla Nolte began singing the Star Spangled Banner. After an amazing performance, Anna Jost welcomed everyone to the Veterans’ Day Celebration.
After being welcomed, Emma Tangeman recited the Pledge of Allegiance while everyone joined. Alan Mueting was welcomed to the stage to pray for the Veterans. Then, part one of the Veterans Day video was played.
Cora Langill honored Veterans who served in the Army with a speech then talked about the Navy and gave the microphone to Piper Hiltgen, who spoke about the Air Force and Marines. This led to Khloe Crevier honoring the Space Force and Coast Guard.
The students handed out gifts to the Veterans, including a travel mug from business donations and pins donated by Rainbow. Then, Alan Mueting went back to the podium for a roll call, followed by Tyler Nolte playing “Taps” on the trumpet. Mrs. Nikki Honeyman then stated that the money raised from the NCEMS “Hats and Shades Day” would be used to purchase a banner on Main Street to be dedicated in honor of Steve Honeyman, who was the school’s janitor for 17 years (1947-2023). Mr. Honeyman also served in the Air Force and looked forward to the Veterans' Day Celebration each year. Some money also went to the Veterans' Wall of Honor on the east side of Seneca and Ray Rottinghaus accepted the donation.
Jayla Nolte said, “It was really nice to see the Veterans come and celebrate their special day with us!"
After a moment of silence for Mr. Honeyman, Jayla Nolte sang "God Bless America" and the students were welcome to sing along. Once Jayla Nolte was done singing, part two of the Veterans Day video was played. Marcia Philbrick was then welcomed to the podium and discussed the Purple Heart Project. In this project, Philbrick researched to find all the Veterans in the area who had received a Purple Heart. Lastly, the students sang a familiar song called “God Bless the USA.” The crowd thanked the Veterans and they were led into the commons area for some coffee, cookies, and lemonade. Poems written by the middle school students were laid out on the tables for the Veterans and their families to read. The 2024 Veterans' Day celebration was another huge success at NCEMS.
"It was really fun to see the Veterans and hear somebody sing instead of hearing it on a video,” stated Liam Beebe.
Article by: Olivia Hermesch and Khloe Crevier