March 28, 2024

Armed forces recognized at NHS basketball game

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Before the Newton High School boys varsity basketball game Friday night, veterans in the audience were asked to stand and make their way toward the center of the court.

When it came time for everyone to rise for the National Anthem, members of the Legion Riders and American Legion Post 111 gathered along either side of the court and presented the colors in honor of Armed Forces Recognition Night.

Newton High School Activities Director Ryan Rump said a similar night was held during a football game last year and was well-received by members of the community. As the name implies, the event is a chance for the school and Newton citizens to honor veterans and those in active military.

“They sacrifice a lot for all of us on a daily basis,” Rump said Friday night before the ceremony. “A lot of times they don’t get the recognition they deserve. It’s just a great opportunity for the community to recognize those folks at an event with a nice crowd here and just to show them our appreciation.”

All members of the armed forces — Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard — were welcome to come down to the gym floor and take part in the formal celebration.

Rump said those who participated did not necessarily have to have a child, grandchild or other relative enrolled in the school to join in. For those students whose family member did take part in the honorary observance, Rump expected they and their family likely have a great sense of pride.

“Maybe they realize or recognize the sacrifice and service that their family members are providing, and that might be something they overlooked in the past,” Rump said.

Before the ceremony began, the Legion Riders and members of the American Legion Post 111 practiced their formation and duties in the cafeteria of Newton High School. Wesley Justus, adjutant for the Newton American Legion Post 111, coordinated the group, which has presented the colors in other capacities throughout the city for parades, funerals, sporting events and community activities.

“This is our honor to do this,” Justus said.

Marta Ford, who served as commander of the Newton American Legion Post 111 in the past, said Armed Forces Recognition Night can hold a special significance for the students. Some of these kids, she said, may have never seen a presentation of the colors.

“A lot of them came up and shook hands — the whole basketball team shook our hands: They did on the way out for all of us veterans that were out in the middle,” Ford said. “It helps us to bring community awareness to the young people.”

Jeremy Heaberlin, president of the Legion Riders, participated in the on-court ceremony, presenting a flag alongside military veterans. He said it’s amazing how the community honors soldiers more so nowadays than they have in the past.

He added, “It just makes me proud as a citizen that never served to be able to stand side-by-side with a Marine and Army veteran and be able to present the flag to our community in such an honorable way.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com