Cleveland honors veterans during a pair of ceremonies

Pulling a double shift on Veterans Day, Andy Queen (CHS 1976) was the honorary speaker at both of Cleveland’s main Veterans Day program as well as one right after that was geared for elementary students.

Both were held in the school's new gym on Wednesday.

Queen served in the United States Marine Corps for four years. After he returned to Cleveland, he became active in the Cleveland American Legion and Sons of the American Legion. He also served 32 years as a firefighter and EMT with the Cleveland Fire Department.

At the main program, Queen gave the textbook definition of a veteran, someone who served in the active military and was discharged honorably. But he said there is so much more to a veteran and explained why there is a special day for them.

Every military enlistee takes the same oath: to support and defend the US constitution and bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to obey the military leaders over them.

Legion members also take an oath, Queen said. They pledge to continue to defend the US Constitution and maintain law and order, freedom, democracy and Americanism, preserve the memories of all wars, promote peace and goodwill and support their community, state and nation.

The oath is the basis of the Legion’s four core service and advocacy pillars: supporting veterans, supporting national security, promoting Americanism and youth and community programs and ensuring a safe, healthy environment for children and youth.

At the elementary program, Queen broke the same concepts down.

“Veterans are moms and dads who support your family. Veterans are grandparents who support your family, your friends and your activities. Veterans are teachers who work hard to help you be successful.”

He also told about their oath that not only continues but grows stronger as veterans continue serving their country, their family and their community.

“Why? You are why,” Queen said. “We keep serving because you continue to give us a reason to serve. Many times I’ve heard people say ‘today’s younger generation does not have the desire to work. Nothing can be further from the truth. You have all proven this is not true. You continue to amaze your community. Your desire to succeed academically is seen in your performance in Knowledge Bowl. Your desire to succeed artistically is seen in performances of Clipper Rising Voices (grade 3-6 choir), youth drama performances and your participation in this program. Your desire to succeed physically is seen in your athletic participation. and your desire to support your community can be seen in your support of others around you.”

While Veterans Day is a day set aside for all, including youth, to honor and thank all who served our country, Queen said, but it is also an opportunity for veterans to see the strength, desire and support young citizens have for their families, their community, their country and for veterans.

“Your success means a lot to veterans,” Queen said. “I can say that, because it means a lot to me.”

Queen left the students with two requests: that they take every opportunity they can to thank veterans and that they also are grateful for their own success.

“Your success means the world to them.”

Essay winners

At both programs, elementary student Veterans Day essay winners, fourth grader Katie Koonst, fifth grader Daphne Page and sixth grader Barrett Vogel, read their essays.

For Koonst, Veteran’s Day hits home. Serving as a flight surgeon and an emergency medicine physician, her dad, a major in the Air National Guard, has been actively deployed since her final day as a third grader last spring. She and her family await his return next year and are glad he knows the home front has his back.

“My dad along with all the other veterans are able to do what they do because of great communities like Cleveland. Their sacrifices could not happen without knowing that their loved ones are in supportive communities.”

Page has many veterans in her family, including her great grandfather, who was in the Army. Although she never met them, their stories have kept them alive, she said.

“I loved hearing stories about them and how courageous and brave they were to run into battle…They fought for what was right. I hope they rest in peace knowing they were respected and cared for.”

Vogel’s aunt is in the Army and recently went on a tour overseas. While serving in Afghanistan, one of his friend’s dad stepped on a landmine and lost both of his legs.

“These stories are an example of the braveness of veterans and how they fought for our freedom. That is why we need to show all veterans our thankfulness.”

Also during the main program

Also at the main program, the Cleveland American Legion/Legion Auxiliary/Sons of the American Legion Color guard posted and retired the colors while the Legion family Firing Squad fired the salute.

Directed by Erik Hermanson, the 7-8 Concert Band provided music, including “Call to Valor,” “Star Spangled Banner” and “Armed Forces on Parade.”

Principal Dave Cink presented the introduction. National Honor Society (NHS) member Neenah Lassiter led the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the National Anthem. NHS vice president Carson Lyons welcomed the audience. Student Council president, NHS president and senior class vice president Taylor Wolf read President Trump’s Veteran’s Day proclamation. NHS treasurer Caleb Connor gave the closing remarks and dismissed the audience.

Also during the elementary program

Also at the program for the elementary students, principal Scott Lusk gave the welcome speech. Along with defining a veteran and the purpose of Veterans Day, Lusk explained the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and the posting and retiring of the flags. Many of his family members served in the armed forces, and he expressed his gratitude for them, especially since their sacrifices allowed him to have a career in education.

Koonst, Page and Vogel again read their selected Veterans Day essays.

Clipper Rising Voices, a select grade 3-5 choir under the direction of Lacee Johnson, sang the National Anthem and “How do you tell a veteran thank you?” (video below). In succession, the elementary grades sang the songs in “Armed Services on Parade”: The Marines' Hymn", "The Caissons Go Rolling Along" (U.S. Army), "Anchors Aweigh" (U.S. Navy), and the U.S. Air Force Song. Criss-crossing the gym floor to where the classes were sitting, Johnson directed that piece. Later, she played taps.

Above: Taylor Wolf at the lectern during the main program

Neenah NHS member Neenah Lassiter led the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the National Anthem during the main program.

Carson NHS vice president Carson Lyons welcomed the audience during the main program.

Firing squad Veterans Leonard Seitz, Bob Hahn, Kevin Derner, Jim Beckel and Dave Voss.

Queen Andy Queen was the honorary speaker at both programs.

Fourth grader essay Fourth-grade essay winner; Helping with the microphone is principal Dave Cink.

Fifth grade essay Fifth-grade essay winner

Sixth grade essay Sixth-grade essay winner

Keltgen taps August Keltgen played taps for the main program.

Taylor Student Council president, NHS president and senior class vice president Taylor Wolf read President Trump’s Veteran’s Day proclamation during the main program.