ICHS rolls out the red, white and blue carpet
IMLAY CITY — Students and staff at Imlay City High School rolled out the red, white and blue carpet for local veterans on Thursday, October 24.
The school’s Veterans’ Honor Roll Reception has become a pre-Veterans Day tradition for Imlay City students and the local men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The event featured a luncheon, patriotic music and speeches, and an Honor Roll Presentation, during which dozens of living and now-deceased Imlay City veterans were acknowledged and remembered.
The program began with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by ICHS student Scott Shevnock. Fellow student Mia Herrera followed with an official welcome to the assembled veterans.
Local veterans in attendance stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during Oct. 24 Veterans’ Honor Roll Reception at Imlay City High School.
Longtime Imlay City High School teacher Amy Bosma, co-founder of the program, acknowledged the attendees and the efforts of students who organized and participated in the annual veterans’ salute.
“The students and staff of Imlay City High School are so proud and grateful to host our veterans,” Bosma said. “You are our living heroes.”
Those sentiments were shared by Imlay City Schools Supt. Dr. Stu Cameron, who served as the afternoon’s keynote speaker.
“Our purpose today is to thank you and to honor all of your service to our nation,” said Cameron. “This event is an opportunity for us to connect with and honor the people we look up to.
“Regardless of which branch you served,” said Cameron, “what you did to serve our country was a grave and selfless act.“As military men and women, you know and accept the risks — so that others don’t have to,” he continued. “For our students here today, that is a point I cannot emphasize enough.
“We want our students to understand that freedom is not something that is guaranteed,” Cameron said. “Freedom is hard-earned and continues to be protected by those in our armed services.”
Cameron reminded of the ongoing commitment and engagement of the thousands of active duty military personnel currently serving at home and overseas.
“It’s important to remember those who are serving right now,” he said. “Many of them are in harm’s way at places around the world.”
Patriotic words, music
Several students took the podium to personally thank and share their appreciation with the special guests. They included Jonathon Broder, Ruby Hellebuyck, Austin Torres and Grace Schriber.
Student Kennedy Kramek recited In Flanders Fields, a poem written during the 1st World War by Canadian physician Lt./Col. John McCrae to honor those who die in war.
Patriotic music selections were presented by the Imlay City High School Choir and the Imlay City High School Brass Quintet, consisting of Kierra Bickmann, Adam Dodge, Josh Hayes, Ruby Hellebuyck and Angelica Vaughn.
The program concluded with a heartfelt rendering of Taps, played by Brass Quintet member Adam Dodge.
Postscript
Among the honored guests was Imlay City VFW Post 2492 Commander, Bob Conrad, who believes a special bond was shared among the students and veterans.
“It was the real deal,” Conrad said. “Those kids were respectful and very genuine in showing their appreciation.
“Mrs. Bosma, the
staff and the kids did a
real nice job of putting it all together,” he continued. “It was a nice program
and luncheon. After, we were able to talk with
one another.
“The music was great too,” Conrad added. “The brass section was excellent and the choir sang like angels. I think it was a great experience for us and for them.”
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
