Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The first observance of Veterans Day was held in Kansas in 1953.
Tuesday, the combined Lakeview and Edgewood middle school bands and choirs honored the 50th anniversary of Veterans Day with their annual Veterans Day Concert at Lakeview Middle School gymnasium at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Edgewood Middle School Principal JoElla Smyth gave the welcome, followed by the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the performance of the "Star Spangled Banner."
Dan Beam, Edgewood Middle School combined chorus director, led the choirs in "You've Come a Long Way, America" and "The Voice of America."
Edgewood choir students gave the history of Veterans Day before LMS Principal Tom Kline spoke about courage.
EMS and LMS combined bands then performed "Yankee Doodle," "Stars and Stripes Forever" and "Marches of the Armed Forces." All veterans were asked to stand and be honored during "Marches."
LMS combined chorus sang "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "The Dawning of the Dream."
The finale included the combined bands and choirs performing "America, the Beautiful."
The flag-folding ceremony was conducted by Edgewood band students and Gunnery Sgt. Dave Morales. In an interview before the concert, Donna Person, combined band director, said the flag folding was in honor of the late Roy Kline, father of LMS principal Tom Kline, and also represents all the veterans and those killed in the line of duty in service to the country.
Smyth gave the closing remarks and "Taps" was played by advanced band trumpets.
Person said the Veterans Day concert started simply approximately 10 years ago and grew to what it is today. More than 300 students performed in Tuesday's concert.
WCS faculty involved in the program include Person, Beam, LMS choir director Judy Becker and Tammy Keirn, combined bands director.
"I think we (myself and the other band directors) believe this is probably our most valued contribution to Warsaw Community Schools and the community because every student who graduates from Warsaw Community High School has been a part of this program," Person said.
"We're very appreciative of our community for the support of this program."
Since the onset of the program, Person said, the evening performances have seen the gym packed.
She also thanked Morales, who always is very helpful with the program and said, "I personally feel having him (participate) is important because of his reverence for the flag and respect he shows for people - he's a role model."
