By Michael Skubal
DAILY NEWS STAFF

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There’s something about eighth-graders playing Taps that should make us all give pause.

Yesterday was Veterans Day and a number of ceremonies where held throughout the Northwoods. James Williams Middle School held its 38th annual Veterans Day celebration while a smaller celebration was held at the Oneida County Courthouse.

Veterans Day started out as Armistice day. World War I ended at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 in 1918 (The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). It was the end of “the war to end all wars.” The day officially became Armistice day in 1926. Less than 15 years later, World War II broke out.

Approximately 16,500,000 Americans took part in World War II, and 400,000 died. America looked for a better way to recognize the veterans. President Eisenhower signed a bill in 1954 proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day and called on all Americans to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.

The theme of the middle school’s celebration was “Generations of Thanks for Generations of Service.” The program came with all the trappings of a Veterans Day ceremony. First of all, what better place to have a ceremony of this kind than in a school gymnasium. The veterans are reminders of the past, the young people are our future. It is the mix of young and old that shows the poignancy of the moment.

A similar mixture of young and old congregated on the Oneida County Courthouse lawn for a separate Veterans Day ceremony. The choir from Nativity of Our Lord sang “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” while members of the VFW honor guard stood silently holding their weapons.

The children added “God Bless America” unprompted after reciting the pledge of allegiance.

After a bugler played Taps and the ceremony ended, the children walked over to the VFW members and presented them with hand-drawn pictures of flags. Many of the children shook hands with the soldiers as they presented the tokens of appreciation. “Thank you” said several of the soldiers. “No, thank you,” the children responded.

You need bands for a Veterans’ Day celebration. At the middle school ceremony, the seventh- and eighth-grade bands of did yeoman work with the “Star Spangled Banner,” “Armed Forces on Parade,” and “For Our Heroes.” Seventh- and eighth-grade choruses added their voices with “America, Of Thee I Sing,” America, Land I Love,” and “Just A Single Voice.”

Flags were there. Paul Johnson, principal of James Williams Middle School, was on hand to welcome visitors and veterans, “This ceremony is important to many people.”

The flags were spaced evenly down the length of the gym, the American Legion flag, that of the Am-Vets, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the POW/MIA flag, the Marine Corps League and the American flag. The VFW Honor Guard presented the colors.

More than once attention was called to the veterans in the audience. They stood as the song of their branch of service was played. Veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines were present.

Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction Elizabeth Burmaster was the distinguished speaker.

“It is a great privilege to be here for the 38th Annual Veterans’ Day Celebration. We commemorate the past service and sacrifice of these veterans. We can learn from their stories. Veterans think of themselves as ordinary people. They have made a great sacrifice. Veterans should share their stories with young people. By telling your stories, you can help us learn history and values, how to be a good citizen. Especially now, during tough times, we must stand together.”

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. And, as the eighth-grade band played “For Our Heroes,” pictures of soldiers from World War II to the present were shown in a darkened gymnasium.

Paul Johnson talked for a moment about his own family. Johnson’s father and three uncles served in the U.S. Army in World War II and Korea. His Uncle John was killed in World War II. The family, like so many, didn’t talk much about the experiences of those that served. Johnson’s aunt died last summer and when they cleaned house they found passports, letters, military clothing, a Nazi helmet and, hidden on the back corner of a shelf, a picture of his Uncle John mounted on a cloth that matched the color of a Purple Heart. The Bronze Star and the Medal of Valor were attached to the photo. He died on the last day of World War II.

“None were the same after finding out John was dead,” said Johnson. “It’s not until we’re older that we realize the sacrifice and pain of those who served.”

One of the pictures shown during the ceremony was that of a plane loaded with flag draped caskets. Those soldiers were coming home. When you see a veteran you know, thank them, even if it isn’t Veterans’ Day.