Lt. Col. Jason Kolacia, 133rd Test Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, was the master of ceremonies during the program.

The intent of Veterans Day, Kolacia said, is to thank all military members who have served honorably in all branches of service.

“It is our responsibility to remember their selfless deeds,” he said. “Each time our country has come under attack, they have risen in her defense. Each time our freedoms have come under assault, they have responded with resolve. Through the generations, their courage and sacrifice have allowed our republic to flourish. And today, the nation acknowledges its profound debt of gratitude to the patriots who have kept it whole.”

However, the lieutenant colonel said, no ceremony can repay that debt.

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
The St. Edmond Middle School choir performs during the school’s Veterans Day ceremony on Monday morning.

“We remember our obligations endure long after the battle ends, and we can make it our mission to give them the respect and care they have earned,” Kolacia said.

When America’s veterans return home, they continue to serve the country in new ways, bringing new skills, leadership and talent to their communities and workforce and it is the country’s responsibility to provide veterans with the support and opportunities they deserve, Kolacia said.

The St. Edmond High School band performed the national anthem before the ceremony. The St. Edmond Middle School choir sang a medley of patriotic music during the ceremony as well.

A tribute to prisoners of war and those missing in action was done by the honor guard of the 133rd Test Squadron before Kolacia introduced the guest speaker.

Retired Navy Cmdr. Marie Sheeder served 24 years in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps before she retired from the military in 2004. She then worked as a surgical nurse at Trinity Regional Medical Center until she fully retired in 2014.

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Retired Navy Cmdr. Marie Sheeder was the guest speaker at the St. Edmond Catholic Schools’ Veterans Day ceremony on Monday morning. Sheeder served 24 years in the Navy Nurse Corps.

“Our debt to these heroes can never be repaid, but our gratitude and respect must last forever,” Sheeder said of the nation’s veterans. “For many veterans, our nation was important enough to endure long separations from their families, to miss the births of their children, freeze in sub-zero temperatures and bake in the jungles and deserts, lose limbs and, far too often, lose their lives.”

Warriors need advocates, she said, which is why organizations like the Veterans Council, the VFW and the American Legion are around to serve veterans and their families. Veterans need each other, she said.

“But most importantly, our country needs veterans,” Sheeder said. “We cannot fight a war without veterans, and while the utopia idea of a world without war is very appealing, we cannot forget that wars have liberated slaves, stopped genocide and toppled terrorists.”

Sheeder’s message was clear: “We need to serve veterans as well as they serve us.”

“We can do better,” she said. “We must do better.”

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Members of the VFW Post 1856 stand at attention following a rifle salute to close out the St. Edmond Catholic School’s Veterans Day ceremony on Monday morning.

Following Sheeder’s keynote address, the program moved outside for a special flag ceremony. The VFW Post 1856’s firing cordon fired a rifle salute and St. Edmond students Clare Conrad and Maggie Strickland played taps on their trumpets.

“Under the most demanding of circumstances, and in the most dangerous corners of the earth, American veterans have served with distinction, with courage, self-sacrifice and devotion to our nation,” Kolacia concluded. “They represent the American character at its best. On Veterans Day, and every day, we celebrate their immeasurable contributions, draw inspiration from their example and renew our commitment to showing them the fullest support of a grateful nation.”