Riverside hosted their 2023 Veterans Day Programs on Friday, November 10th.
The Spalding Site program began at 10:00 am and was led by social studies teacher Mrs. Dori Kennedy and her 8th grade Civics class. The colors were presented by Legion Post #299. The guest speaker was retired Air Force Major LaTravia Dobson who served in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years. Students gave a lesson about Veterans Day, read poems, sang the "Star Spangled Banner", "This Land is Your Land", and "This is My Country". Students also created a video for the Veterans which can be viewed here. The program concluded with an Armed Forces Medley where Veterans stood during their branch's anthem and then the colors were retired. After the program, Veterans and guests enjoyed coffee and rolls. Special thanks to Mrs. Kennedy for organizing the program, students for performing, music director Mrs. Cecilia Baldwin, Mr. Leslie Webb for his accompaniment on the piano, guest speaker retired Major Dobson, and color guard members Mike and Tom Connelly.
The Cedar Site program began at 1:00 pm and was led by social studies teacher Mr. Dan Wolken. The colors were presented by Legion Post #44. Students led the Pledge of Allegiance and students sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and "America". The Riverside Band performed "Armed Forces on Parade" and Lilian Metz played "Taps". Social studies students shared a Veterans Day Tribute poem. The guest speaker was Sergeant First Class Tana Dozler who has served for almost 20 years in the Army Reserve. A Quilt of Valor was awarded to Wayne Spike who served during the Korean Conflict Era. Special thanks to Mr. Wolken, all students who performed, music director Cherry Plagmann, guest speaker SFC Dozler, color guard members Mark Plagmann and Edward Swerczek, and Quilt of Valor presenter Sue McIntyre. After the program, Veterans and guests enjoyed coffee and goodies. A video of the Cedar Site program in its entirety can be found here. Thank you to Cedar Valley News for joining us for the program in Cedar Rapids.
Most importantly, we want to thank all Veterans for their service to protect our wonderful country!