Leigh Celebrates Veteran’s Day
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This past week marked the fifth year that the annual Veterans’ Day Program has been
held at the new Leigh High School, and it was as thoughtful, moving a program as ever.
Kicking off the Tuesday, November 11 program, the Leigh Pep Band played a beautiful
“Star Spangled Banner,” setting the stage for three speakers: Don Tyser, who started and ended
the program with heartfelt speeches, with a special tribute to Vietnam veterans; John Bunner,
who spoke about his experience in the Marines and his conversations with Vietnam veterans; and
Janet Eisenmann, who represented the Leigh Women’s Auxiliary. The band later played “Allied
Honor” followed by the entire elementary student body performing the armed forces medley as
well as “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Afterward, the Leigh FCCLA chapter provided pie and coffee for all veterans and
families to enjoy, making this the third year the Pies for Veterans project has been implemented.
The annual Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy winners also presented their speeches
during the program. The Patriot Pen essay winners were eighth grader Bergan Settje in first,
sixth grader Katelyn Lange in second, and sixth grader Kinlee Olson in third.
As for the Voice of Democracy winners, sophomores Emily Waterman, Sadie Brabec, and
Ariyah Ross placed first, second, and third, respectively. Bergan Settje and Emily Waterman
each delivered their speeches to the audience.
Emily Waterman said, “I was surprised, but honored to hear I had won Voice of
Democracy. At first when I heard that I had to present my speech in public, I was nervous, but as
I got into the speech, I felt calmer and proud. What inspired me to write it is my grandfather,
who used to be in the war, and I wanted to tell his story and honor him.”
Finally, this year’s program had a very special guest in the audience: World War II
veteran Dale Croxen of Tilden, Nebraska. At 99 years of age, he attended and received special
recognition by Mr. Tyser.
Don Tyser left the audience with one final word of advice: “Take the time to thank a
veteran. They have given so much on your behalf.”