Veterans' Day Ceremony at Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Thursday's Veterans' Day Ceremony at Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School marked a special day for many in the area as over 70 guests gathered at the school to commemorate the occasion. The ceremony began at 1 p.m. with the presentation of the colors by the Color Guard from the American Legion Post 1172 of Evansville. Pastor Bruce Cameron from St. John's Lutheran Church in Sparta gave the invocation. Cameron served in the United State Navy from 1969-1973. Guest speakers for the ceremony included Major Raymond W. Heinen, Retired U.S. Air Force and Chief Master Sergeant Randy H. Truluck, also retired from the U.S. Air Force. Major Heinen (Ret.) spoke of the essence of being a veteran, detailing some of the honors and traditions we observe in our armed forces today. He has served as an Admissions Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy for over 30 years. After thanking those who served, Truluck detailed his own experience in service to our nation, incorporating a testimony of his faith in Jesus Christ. CMSGT Truluck (Ret.) served overseas in Japan and Korea in addition to deploying teams to support operations Desert Shield and Storm, EDNRURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. Jeremy Rogers, a COS junior from Evansville, also presented an essay titled, "Your Gift to my Generation" aimed at thanking veterans both past and present for their sacrifices for the freedoms enjoyed by the younger generation of Americans. The choir from Christ Our Savior rounded out the day by leading those gathered in the hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save. Afterward, students and guests engaged in conversation centering on their understanding of the freedoms preserved by veterans down through the years.
Junior Bonnie Dickenson of Chester commented, "I believe having school on Veterans' Day and inviting some of the veterans was awesome. By coming to school on Veterans' Day, I learned a lot." "Thursday's ceremony gave our students a unique opportunity to gain a new insight about our country's history. A chance to hear personal stories to compliment the more traditional learning that takes place in history classes" said Matthew Foster, history teacher at Christ Our Savior.