Article submitted by Janet A Stolz, PR Chair - ALA Edward Born, Unit 343
On Monday, November 11, the Norwood Young America (NYA) community came together to honor our Veterans. The audience consisted of public school children (Prekindergarten through Grade 12), area residents, members of the American Legion Post #343 and VFW Post #1783, American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #343 and VFW Auxiliary #1783 filled Central High School’s gym to honor all United States Veterans.
Prekindergarten children personally handed homemade Thank You cards to the veterans prior to the program. The program began with the Central High School (CHS) Band playing prelude music while the Honor Guard presented the colors. The audience sang The Star Spangled Banner and recited the Pledge of Allegiance (led by preschool students).
The VFW Post Commander, Ron Kroells, welcomed everyone to the 2024 Veterans Day Program. The Concert Choir and students in 2nd - 5th Grades sang patriotic songs. Memphis Feist, an essay contest winner from Central, read his Patriot’s Pen Essay. The program’s Keynote Speaker was Carver County Veterans Service Officer, Steve Walker, who captivated the audience by his message.
During his speech, Steve shared that having no real plans for his future, he decided to join the U. S. Army National Guard shortly after high school. His three deployments gave him a much needed direction of purpose.
“When you join you are the lowest ranking soldier, a Private. On my first deployment I was a Specialist and our squad was 12 soldiers. You look out for one another and work very closely together… you follow the orders given and rely on your buddies to protect your back and they know you will protect them,” stated Steve.
By the time of his second deployment he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. With a higher rank comes more responsibility. He was in charge of a squad of 12 soldiers. He must look out for all of these soldiers as best as he can. On his third deployment he held the rank of First Sergeant which increased his responsibility to a Company of three to four platoons or 100 to 125 soldiers, sometimes in different countries from each other. Again, his responsibility increased to more and more soldiers. His perspective changed as his rank changed. Also, as his rank changed so did his age. This gave a different outlook for the future. He mentioned that when coming home from each of his deployments, he was always greeted with “Welcome Home” smile/cheers/celebrations… and he knows that has not always been the case. He wanted ALL soldiers to be welcomed home and thanked for their service to which the audience applauded.
The CHS Band played the Armed Forces Medley while veterans were encouraged to stand as their branch of service was played. The program ended with a Moment of Silence, TAPS, closing remarks by the CHS Principal, Rich Larson, and the retirement of colors.
During his remarks, Principal Larson commented that the Norwood Young America area has held a Veterans Day community celebration every year on November 11th (Friday or Monday if the date falls on the weekend) and with the support he has seen over the years, he is positive that NYA will continue this tradition for many years to come.
Several veterans like Legionnaire Dave Schwalbe celebrate Veteran’s Day in NYA with his daughters Buffy Knopik & Natasha Schmeig and granddaughter Chloe Knopik (Chaska ALA Unit 57).
After the program, veterans and their guests were invited to a complimentary lunch by CHS Food Service. Students assisted guests through the lunch line, escorted them to the beautifully decorated private dining area where they served beverages and desserts. The District Superintendent, Tim Schochenmaier, greeted these guests and thanked them for their service. This year’s seating overflowed the private dining area into the school commons area… it is the largest crowd of veterans and their guests ever in attendance.
