Honoring those who serve

Students at the PCM Middle School came together Monday to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the military with their annual Veterans Day Program. Veterans and their families were scattered throughout the crowd of students to hear the band and choir perform, learn about the history of Veterans Day, hear personal accounts from veterans and hear in their own words why the students are thankful for those who serve.

“I give a very heartfelt thank you to all of those who have served our country,” middle school principal Wade Van Vark said. “We will never forget the sacrifices you make here and abroad. Thank you very much.”

To begin the program, the seventh and eighth-grade band performed the “Star-Spangled Banner.” A history of Veterans Day video, produced by Addison Steenhoek, Tad Wilson and Nate Richards, followed giving facts about the origination of the day as Armistice Day at the end of World War I to its current celebration each Nov. 11.

The sixth-grade choir gave an original performance of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” with Stella Stravers, Harlan Shannon, Chloe Greiner, Jake Winters, Ryanne Helton, Katie VanDerKamp, Jeffery McDanel and Tristyn Glover featured during the song. The crowd then saw a slide show honoring veterans with a connection to middle school students and staff.

A highlight of the program was a veteran interview segment featuring Mike Hotovec, Ronny Dean Steenhoek and Jonathan and Rhonda Buys. Each veteran was interviewed by a student and covered topics including why they went into the military, how the food tasted, what relationships they formed, what their duties were and about their last day.

“The people I was in the service with were some guys from Des Moines and different people you met along the way you become friends with,” Hotovec said. “They helped you get through it all and you always had a buddy by your side.”

The Buys have a more unique story to the relationships they formed while in the service.

“I met this girl and things turned out really well with her,” Jonathan said of his wife Rhonda. “We met some of our best friends of our life. Even though we are spread all over the country, any time I can call them. Friends you meet in the military are your friends for life.”

“They become your extended family,” Rhonda said.

Students from the eighth grade English Language Arts program shared thank yous to the veterans. They each explained why they thought those who served in the military are important and the sacrifices they made to serve the country.

“Not everyone can handle giving up everything that you did,” Kiera Nelson said. “You put your country before your family, spouse, kids, friends, your everything. You risked your life for a country full of people you don’t even know. That is why we honor veterans. Your bravery, confidence and sacrifices keep me safe, keep me free. Thank you so much.”

At the conclusion of the program, all veterans in attendance were asked to stand and were honored with a round of applause for their service to the country.

“Each and every veteran came from all walks of life but they shared several fundamental qualities,” superintendent Brand Jermeland said. “They possess courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity. All of the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than one’s self. Thank you for your service.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierosn@newtondailynews.com