WMU shows its patriotism

WINFIELD—Veterans were honored in a variety of ways nation-wide for their service to this country Friday.

Winfield-Mt. Union Schools chose to honor veterans and their families with their annual Veterans assembly followed by refreshments made by the school home economics class.

The local American Legion post 633 presented the colors, followed by the school choir singing the national anthem, and the gymnasium full of students and guests reciting the pledge of allegiance.

Colonel Dan Maeder addressed the assembly.

“There is no shortage of patriotism in Winfield, Iowa,” he said after asking for a show of hands from the audience to indicate those who have loved ones that are serving or have served in the military.

Maeder spoke of the sacrifice of service men and women, but also took the time to recognize the families that stand behind these individuals.

“I did not realize the impact it has on families until my own son joined,” Maeder said.

He told of when his son went to basic training.

“We talked to him on the phone and then he had to go. No more text messages. No calls,” Maeder said. “It was bedtime and wife was sleeping, and I turned to her and asked her how she could be sleeping when we hadn’t heard from our son.”

“She told me she had already been through this, and it hit me,” he said.

He passionately thanked the families for their sacrifices, then addressed the veterans themselves.

According to Maeder, every one of these individuals swore an allegiance to protect and serve.

“These great men and women ask little in return,” he said. “We simply ask that you honor the flag and those who died defending it. We ask that you look out for the families of service members who continue to serve in harm’s way.”

“We ask that you would reach out to the families of our fallen brothers and sister,” Maeder continued. “Care for them, pray for them, provide for them.”

“Most of importantly, we ask that you honor this gift of freedom by doing the absolute best that you can do, to become the best that you are capable of coming,” he said.

Buglers played taps, the school band played a selection of patriotic music, and the colors were retired in front of a gymnasium of people standing to honor those who serve.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com