City of Ironwood's Daily News Source

Bessemer Students Honor Veterans

Bessemer's Veterans Day program took place yesterday in the A.D. Johnson High School Gymnasium.

The program began with the presentation of the Flag by the V.F.W. and American Legion Honor Guard. The A.D. Johnston HS Band Directed by Mary Jo Mykkanen then played the
"Star-spangled Banner"

The Master of Ceremonies made opening remarks. He then introduced the members of the R.O.T.C. students Nathan Davis, Katie Suchand Hannah Douglass

The fantastic A.D. Johnson High School Band then played "An American Celebration" a medley of patriotic songs.

Following the music the keynote speaker, S/Sgt. John Vuksinic (U.S. Army Recruiter) delivered the Veteran's Day Address

As in other school districts the Veterans Day Ceremony is a big event. In Bessemer, the students from the Washington Elementary School not only come to watch, but they paly a great big role in the program. This year as in years past the young students perform veteran day songs under the direction of Mr. L.J. Roderick. This year they sang "Bless Our Troops" and "You're A Grand Old Flag". They were terrific. Last year they did a great job sing "Keep the Campfires Burning" a very memorable performance as will this year's "Grand Old Flag" Cohan would be very, very pleased. 1906 Cohan produced George Washington Jr. which featured one of his greatest patriotic songs, You're A Grand Old Flag. An interesting anecdote related to this song is that Cohan had originally titled it You're a Grand Old Rag and on its introduction several patriotic societies objected to referring to our flag as a "rag." Cohan reacted to the criticism by changing the title to that which we know today.

Following the singing, Washington School students were recognized for their Daily Flag Raising, they were: Lily Weringa, Clara Novascone, Brittney Cebolskl, Cheyenne Splres, Kimberly Werdinger, Stephanie Pestka and Allyson Metas

Slide Show

After the students had received their certificates, the great A.D. Johnson High School Band played the 'Armed Forces Salute" a medley of military songs. As the songs representing the all the branches of service were played, veterans in the audience would stand up and be recognized.

Nest in the program was the toll of the bell for remembering those veterans that died since last Veterans Day. With the tolling of the bell each name would be read by Daniel Mulcahey to those gathered in at the ceremony. Mulcahey is the Past Commander of the V.F.W. There was then a moment of silence followed by A.D. Johnson Band students: Jake Zelinski, Megan Ahnen and Jory Turula.

The program was thenconcluded my William Saily.

Program Videos