FCHS hosts Veteran's Day Program

Dr. Chick James, U.S. Army retired colonel, gives the Veteran's Day speech.		Providing the "Welcome" is program organizer Sherry Maddox.

A Falls City Veteran's Day Celebration was held in the Falls City High School gym at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 11. The program, organized by Sherry Maddox, proud Veteran's wife, was attended by all Falls City High School and Sacred Heart High School students, along with Veteran's and townspeople.

The program began with the "Posting of our National Colors" by the Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard. The Falls City High School band, under the direction of Robert Kercher, played The Star-Spangled Banner.

An invocation was given by Reverend Theta Dame, Pastor of Immanuel United Methodist Church. VFW Ladies Auxiliary member and Veteran's Day Chairperson Sherry Maddox welcomed everyone. She also introduced guests seated in the front.

A Salute to the American Armed Forces Medley was sung by the joint choruses of Falls City and Sacred Heart High Schools. They were under the direction of Alisha Sutton and Elizabeth Gruber. As each branch of the service's song was sung, Veterans in the audience from that branch stood and were recognized.

The joint chorus of Falls City High School and Sacred Heart High School sing a medley of the songs of the United States branches of service.

The Veteran's Day message was given by guest speaker Colonel Charles R. James, Jr., U.S. Army Retired. Dr. James was graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, was a Vietnam Veteran, and served as Deputy Commander of the Medical Command of the Kansas Army National Guard until retirement.

Retired Colonel James went through a brief history of the wars in which the United States has been involved. He recognized the part that Veteran's have played in keeping American's free.

The speaker encouraged the students and all members of the audience to live their lives based on the "Seven Values of the U.S. Army:"

1. Loyalty – Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone.
2. Duty – Fulfill your obligations.
3. Respect – Follow the "Golden Rule" and treat others are you expect to be treated.
4. Selfless Service – Put the welfare of others before your own.
5. Honor – Live up to these values in everything you do.
6. Integrity – Do what's right, legally and morally.
7. Personal Courage – Face fear, danger or adversity by continuing forward on the right path and standing up for and acting upon the things you know are honorable.

Director Robert Kercher, FCHS instrumental music teacher and member of the Army National Guard, leads the band in playing America during the "Retirement of the Colors."

The program ended with a Benediction by Reverend Theta Dame. The "Retirement of the Colors" was accompanied with the playing of America by the Falls City High School Band.