Students and staff of the Brown County School Corporation, along with many members of the Brown County community once again gathered in Larry C. Banks Memorial Gymnasium to express respect and gratitude for the those who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces for the annual Veterans Day program.
This year’s program was held on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Before the program began, veterans and their families socialized at tables decorated with centerpieces that featured broad stripes and bright stars, surrounded by patriotic artwork made by students from Brown County schools.
Veterans then lined up in groups, led by students carrying a banner that marked which wartime era they served in.
The banner from WWI was carried through a moment of silence, followed by a sole service member from WWII, then veterans of the Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War and finally Persian Gulf and Iraq-Afghanistan wars.
The Brown County High School band played as they entered, one group at a time, and found their seats.
An original poem was read by the vice president of the High School History Club, Lizzie Roush, entitled “An Ode to County and Country.”
The crowd then stood for Rhapsody Show Choir performance of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
After being seated, service members then stood up once more, one branch at a time, while the band and choir performed “The Pride of America,” a medley of all the themes from every branch of the military. The veterans stood for their corresponding theme while the audience applauded.
Bill Hamilton, commander of the National Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6195, then presented the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy programs to students.
Liam White was recognized for the Patriot’s Pen. Evelyn Finley, Kaylie Austin, Noah Lewis were the top three winners for the Voice of Democracy.
Lewis, being in first place, read his essay for the audience.
He defined a veteran as someone who served in the military. His own personal definition of veteran, he said, represents freedom.
“Why is a veteran important,” Lewis said as he closed.
“A veteran is important for not only how they serve, but what they serve for. They serve for you and me, their families and the ‘Land of the Free.’”
Two teachers were then recognized by Hamilton on behalf of the VFW for their efforts in the classroom to “create a sense of national pride” in students.
Tim Ebert from Brown County Middle School was called down first, followed by Karen Kirby, from Sprunica Elementary School.
The Brown County High School jazz band, accompanied by two Rhapsody seniors, then played “God Bless the USA.”
BCHS Principal Trent Austin recognized seniors Dakota Cruz, Gage Richardson and Rafe Silbaugh for their plan to enter military service after graduation.
The keynote speaker for the morning was Chris Snell, Brown County Veterans Service Officer.
He shared his 14-year military service story and how it led him to his current work of helping veterans transition back home after combat deployments, and called for care and compassion for veterans and their stories.
In the course of history for veterans, Snell said a constant that remains is the transition out of service.
Snell paid special tribute to Vietnam veterans, whom he said had some of the most compelling stories he has heard.
“I have sat with many veterans and heard their stories over the course of my life,” he said.
“While many are interesting, I do not believe you could compel me to think there’s a more interesting story to tell than our Vietnam veterans.”
As a veteran, Snell said he is continually humbled and inspired by the “hard truth they bring to the table.”
“Out of all the generations in this room, our Vietnam veterans encountered the worst treatment when they came home. When they came back stateside they were told to put their uniforms away before coming home. They had their uniforms ripped up, they were spit on, they were yelled at. There were yard signs that said ‘No dogs or veterans allowed.’”
Some of them, he said, have been reliving their experiences in the night and have continued to do so for more than 60 years.
“But today, I want to recognize our Vietnam Veterans,” Snell said.
“I want to invite you all to stand. If you have not felt or received your ‘welcome home’ — welcome home.”
As a sophomore in high school in 2001, Snell watched the Twin Towers fall on Sept. 11, which ignited his desire to join the service, feeling as though he could do nothing in that moment.
He joined the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and witnessed war, loss and devastation.
After leaving the Marines his service took different shapes, and so did his mindset.
“The hate that was in my heart for so long began turning into empathy and understanding,” he said.
Now, as Brown County’s veterans service officer, he said he is blessed in many ways.
“I get to be a confidant to veterans, I am constantly sanctified through the work of this office and I’m always humbled by the incredible and impactful stories you give me,” he said.
“My vision for the Brown County Veterans Service Office is simple: it’s fostering thankfulness to veterans and their families. We do it with great pride towards our veterans and their families.”
He went on by saying that “fostering thankfulness” isn’t just for veterans, it’s a vision that can and will inspire a community when it’s implemented.
“It develops and impacts how we serve one another, it comes from selflessness, not selfishness,” he told veterans and the crowd.
“My challenge to each of you in this room today is to foster thankfulness wherever you go in the community. Spread cheer that comes from what you are passionate about in life. Be a good listener, for others, so they can share their passions or be vulnerable. Enjoy each other’s company and live in community.”
