BELLE — In a patriotic gathering at the Belle High School (BHS) gym on Friday, the community came together to honor and remember the nation’s military members in a Veterans Day assembly.

The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Members Post 3410. The Belle High School Band performed a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.

National Honor Society (NHS) Vice President Rose Haffer led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing the shared commitment to the principles that define the nation. NHS President Allyson Bartner extended a warm welcome to all present, expressing gratitude to veterans and their families.

Bartner continued by providing insights into the history of Veterans Day, underscoring the importance of honoring those who have served. The Belle High School Band followed the speech, performing “America the Beautiful.”

The presentation of the Voice of Democracy Essay Competition winners was given by Post Quartermaster Diane James. Noah Jones took third place and Reagan Thomas came in second. First-place winner Cash Lacy had the honor of reading the winning essay to the gathered crowd.

Bartner also recognized the teachers who were nominated for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Each year the VFW selects one teacher from elementary, middle, and high school for this award. This year’s winners recognized at the assembly were Karen Hance from the elementary and  Brad Petersen from the high school. Melody Shipley was recognized at the Bland Middle School.

As the Belle High School Band played “Amazing Grace,” the gymnasium was filled with a sense of reverence. This musical interlude provided a moment for reflection, underscoring the somberness of the occasion.

Peterson recognized the VFW members in attendance, acknowledging their service and sacrifice. He then invited former Belle marshal and current VFW Post Commander Terry Connors to speak about the Buddy Poppy and the significance it held for veterans.

“The red represents the blood given by people in all wars,” said Connors. “It also represents the freedom that you enjoy right now from the people who have died in battle, were wounded in battle, and people who served who might not have been in battle but supported those who were.”

A highlight of the event was when Peterson invited the elementary students to present cards they had made to veterans who were in attendance. Numerous students came forward and handed over their creations while also thanking the veterans for their service.

Despite some audio difficulty with their musical accompaniment, the Belle Elementary 3rd and 4th-grade students performed “God Bless the USA”

“Taps,” played by Tristan Sadler, brought a solemn moment to the gymnasium as attendees paid their respects to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. The VFW Post 3410 members concluded the ceremony with the dignified retiring of the colors.

Bland Middle School VFW Post 3410 Patriot’s Pen Essay winners were Jacob Penserum in first place, Georgiana Mizener in second place, and Autumn Kramer in third place.

James said the Post is looking for veterans who would like to become members. If anyone is interested. contact James at 573-291-2842 for more information.