Photo: The program began with the Posting of the Colors by the Color Guard: Bob Mattson - Commander, Air Force, Wayne Johnson, Navy, Carrie Palmer, Active Duty Air Force National Guard, Sue Westerlind, Marines, Gordon Salisbury, Air Force. All photos by Laura Durenberger-Grunow

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - November 11, 2022


Cook County community members and Cook County School District 166 staff and students recognized local (and beyond) Veterans during the annual Veterans Day Program in the Pam Taylor Gymnasium on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 2 pm.

Here is a quick review in photos. 

The High School Band (accompanied by community members) played The Star-Spangled Banner, Stars and Stripes Forever, From Sea to Shining Sea (America the Beautiful), and Armed Forces - The Pride of America. 

 The Middle School and High School Choir, along with Sawtooth Elementary 2nd Grade, joined the band in singing the Star-Spangled Banner. They also sang Proud of Our Veterans. 

 Principal Megan Myers led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and a Welcome

The keynote was delivered by Karen Christianson, Cook County Veterans Service Officer, and a Veteran herself. Before the event, Christianson took questions from high school students, asked Veterans for the answers, and contributed her own responses, which she shared with the crowd. Some of the questions included "why did you join?", "do you think mental health services are adequate for Veterans?", "what stories do you have?", and "would you do it all again?"

 Christianson received a standing ovation from the crowd for her keynote address and service

Cook County School District 166 Superintendent Chris Lindholm led the crowd in recognizing local Veterans in attendance, inviting them to stand after reading the five Military brances

As the band played Armed Forces - The Pride of America, Cook County School District High School Students held up each flag in recognition of the five branches of the Military. Flag of the U.S. Army

Flag of the U.S. Marine Corps

 Flag of the U.S. Navy 

 Flag of the U.S. Coast Guard

 Flag of the U.S. Air Force

 Brayden Schmidt played 'Taps' before the retirement of the colors

 

Related: Cook County Connections: Honoring our Veterans