Veterans Day Services Promote Patriotism In Our Students

As children of God, we are all called to a life of service. The way we embrace this calling is different for each of us — we may serve in grand gestures or small acts of daily kindness; within the walls of our home or out in the broader community. For members of our Armed Forces and their families, service permeates every aspect of life — military personnel and their families dedicate their lives to serving our country, no matter the sacrifice. This month, our nation honored its veterans in a special way. St. Vincent de Paul School was one of several local schools to celebrate Veterans Day with a special ceremony.

School secretary Janet Kuehl has always enjoyed the Veterans Day programs at St. Vincent de Paul.

“Mrs. Jilg has done the music program for the past number of years on Veterans Day, and we get rave reviews,” she says. “One thing that we have done is ask the children and parishioners to give us names of veterans they would like us to pray for, as well as the branch they served in. We then read their name and ask that if they are present, they stand. We play the medleys from each branch and ask that the servicemen and women stand while their medley is played. The colors are taken up by local veterans, and at the end the priest gives a special blessing to the veterans.”

Our Veterans Day programs have always been a tradition dear to Janet’s heart. Her father and father-in-law both served in World War II, her husband has served in the military, and both of her sons have served in Afghanistan. She appreciates the way the school encourages our students to honor the sacrifices of our military service members — and not just on one day of the year. In September, the children sang at the funeral of a veteran who had been the greatgrandfather of one of the students.

“We brought the kids out to watch the 21-gun salute, and the music teacher had taught them a song to sing about the heroes on the line,” Janet says. “Hearing the children singing this song and thanking this man for his service was so beautiful.”

Indeed, it is never too early to teach our children gratitude for the sacrifices of all who serve. In our local community, the American Legion of Seward works to promote patriotism, mentor youth, and foster devotion to our military service members. Legion member Ken Meyer has helped many times with Veterans Day services at our school. Ken served active duty in the Air Force for almost 30 years, followed by another 26 years in the reserves for the Army National Guard. He views the Veterans Day programs at St. Vincent de Paul School and other schools as a wonderful way to honor all service members.

“I think most veterans like to do what they can to make the schoolchildren aware of patriotism and aware of service members who have given their life or their service over the years,” Ken says. “Only one percent of the population serves in the military now. In World War I, everybody had someone in the service, but it’s not as common now, so this helps promote patriotism and respect for the flag.”

Every day, our Armed Forces service members continue to give selflessly of themselves to preserve the safety and dignity of our nation, without asking anything in return. Veterans Day ceremonies like these provide our community with a wonderful opportunity to say “thank you” for a gift so freely given.

“I hope they feel honored,” Ken says. “We want to promote awareness of what service members have contributed over the years. This is recognition that nobody asks for, but it’s nice when it’s given.”

To the brave and to our heroes. To the good and to the kind. From our hearts we thank you truly. All of you out on the line.

— Lyrics from a song performed by St. Vincent de Paul students at the funeral of a veteran in September