Potter community celebrates veterans
Military veterans were celebrated this morning with a Veterans Day Program for the community and students at Potter-Dix High School.
By News Channel NebraskaPOTTER -- Military veterans were honored with a special place in the Potter-Dix High School's today for the Community Veterans Day Program.
The service started with the Advancement of Colors by the American Legion Post No. 291 Color Guard.
The High School and Junior High chorus then sang "The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by Jerry Steele leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The Potter-Dix High School Chorus then performed a choral selection for the community.
Special speaker of the day is Brandy Stone of Potter. Stone spoke of her extensive family history in military service, what it means to be a veteran, the defining of "I got your six," as well as talking about her own experiences. She said "six" refers to the six position on an analog clock, or watching a person's back. She said it is a phrase defining one of the highest levels of loyalty, dating back to World War 1.
"In World War 1 military dog fights, enemy pilots would fly behind another plane in an attempt to shoot it down. It was up to other pilots and copilots to let the targeted pilot know that there was an enemy troop on their tail. I see this kind of behavior in some places when I live around Potter and the surrounding communities. I see it in our football team, our volleyball team, as they work together and hold each other up through every game, no matter the outcome," she said.
She also explained where strength is found in a veteran.
"Veterans show that true strength flies in safe-guarding others; not in belittling or impressing them. Their service reminds us that defending against bullying, in all its forms, is an honorable, and vital mission that requires bravery, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right," Stone said.
The service concluded with an opportunity for veterans to take part in a traditional "bean feed," a lunch of ham and navy bean soup, cornbread and dessert.
Veterans Day was first call celebrated on Nov. 11, 1919 as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. The first Veterans Day celebration was held in Birmingham, AL., in 1947 by World War II veteran Raymond Weeks. In 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. A presidential wreath is placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day.