Tom Dorsey, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1856 served as master of ceremonies for the program.

“Today we stand in the midst of patriots and the family and friends of those who have nobly served,” said Dorsey.

The invocation was led by Chaplain Maj. Steve Peters. Dorsey introduced several guests that were in attendance and then asked veterans to stand to be recognized.

A special recognition called the Bronze Star was awarded in honor of Cpl. Steven Shannon who was killed in action in Iraq in 2007. Shannon’s mother, Joan Shannon is a teacher at St. Edmond High School and Steven Shannon’s siblings, Mary and Liam, attend St. Edmond.

-Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
The St. Edmond High School band led by Ryan Swedean play military branch songs at the Veterans Day Program.

The St. Edmond High School band played a medley of the official songs for each military branch and members of each branch stood while their song was played and met with applause.

The St. Edmond fourth grade students sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Thank You, Soldiers” led by Jacque Batz.

The flag folding ceremony was demonstrated by Master Sgt. Mitch Pearson and Master Sgt. Travis Christiansen, of the 133rd test Squadron of the Iowa Air National Guard.

“The 13 folds have been a common practice for some time with meanings ascribed to each fold. This morning, along with the meaning of each fold, to honor the 13 servicemen and women who were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 26 of this, I will also read the name of one with each fold,” said Dorsey.

Dorsey recited the meaning of each fold and a name of a serviceman or woman as Christiansen and Pearson folded the flag and presented it.

-Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
Members of the VFW perform the Honor Guard rifle salute as the American flag is lowered to half staff.

Chaplain Peters prayed the benediction before attendees moved outside to the flag pole for the special flag ceremony.

Dave McGaughy and Dave London lowered the flag to half mast while the VFW Honor Guard performed a rifle salute. The ceremony concluded as Clare Conrad played Taps in honor of fallen soldiers.

-Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
Clare Conrad plays “Taps” in honor of fallen soldiers while the flag is lowered to half staff at the end of the St. Edmond Veterans Day Program.