Schools, others honor veterans

Schools in Vernon County and in the Fort Scott school district will be conducting various programs in honor of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed forces, fighting for this country's protection and freedom.

Local Vietnam veteran Staff Sergeant James E. "Jim" O'Brien will address students at Fort Scott Middle School at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the FSMS gymnasium, during the school's Veterans Day assembly. The general public is invited to attend the ceremony in honor of local veterans.

According to a press release from FSMS, O'Brien, a native Kansan, served in the U.S. Marine Corps form 1969 through 1973, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam in the U.S. Marine Corps First Division.

O'Brien's speech will hold special meaning for the students at the middle school as he interacts with the students on a daily basis as the school's custodian and volunteers with various youth-related community events, according to the press release.

"O'Brien, a USD 234 employee, is an active member of both the Bourbon County Fair Board and the Bourbon County Extension Council ...," the press release said. "Mr. O'Brien officiates many youth sporting activities including volleyball, softball, basketball and football."

FSMS' Veterans Day salute will also include participation by local Boy Scout Troop 114, disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post 25, Olson-Frary-Burkhart VFW Post 1165 and Combat Infantry Association.

In addition, eighth grade students Paige Denton and Hanna Frederickson will read their original essays on "Why Should American Veterans Be Honored," and Superintendent of Mine Creek Battlefield Arnold Scholfield will recite a selected Veterans Day poem.

The school's seventh and eighth grade band will also entertain event attendees with two patriotic pieces.

In Vernon County, a special event is planned for Sunday, Nov. 9 -- a Military Memorial Dedication, Balltown Cemetery, 2 p.m. (8 miles north of Nevada on U.S. 71 to Horton exit, then 1 mile west). Guests may honor the veterans in the family and the community at the dedication of a new military memorial and rededication of the Civil War burial plot at Vernon County's oldest cemetery, Balltown. Ceremony will include Vernon County veterans' organizations, timeline of American soldiers, Holmes' Brigade Color Guard, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Sons of Confederate Veterans (in Civil War era dress), Nevada JROTC Color Guard, Cottey College Wind Ensemble, State Rep. Barney Fisher, Arnold Schofield, National Anthem sung by Bill Martin, recognition of veterans in attendance, and Military Honors. Veterans are encouraged to wear uniform shirt or vest, cap, etc., identifying their unit or branch of service. Guests also may bring a tribute (photo, flower, note, etc.) to leave at the memorial to honor a veteran. Please bring lawn chairs. Portable restrooms will be available. This event is sponsored by the Vernon County Historical Society, Balltown Cemetery Board, and Tri-County Genealogical Society. For more information, call (417) 922-3224.

Other Veterans Day events in Nevada include:

* Nevada High School veterans' assembly, 11 a.m.

* Northeast Vernon County Schools ceremony, program honoring area veterans, 12:30 p.m., at the Schell City elementary school campus.

* Bronaugh school veterans; recognition program, 8:30 a.m., in the cafeteria at the school.

* Free buffet for veterans, 5-7 p.m., at the Cherry Street Grill.

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, www.va.gov, Secretary of Veterans Affairs James B. Peake is asking Americans to recognize the 23.4 million living veterans who fought on behalf of America.

"While our foremost thoughts are with those in distant war zones today, Veterans Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay their respects to all who answered the nation's call to military service," said Peake. "Participation in Veterans Day can be as simple as putting out the porch flag or reminding youngsters of the story of a relative who served in the military."

According to the VA, 33 major national observances in 20 states are scheduled on Veterans Day to offer a tribute to American Veterans. Winfield Scott Elementary school and Eugene Ware Elementary school will also conduct Veterans Day events on Monday and Tuesday.