Hurley School creates virtual Veterans Day

By TOM LAVENTURE

tlaventure@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley — The Hurley K-12 School created a virtual commemoration for Veterans Day on Wednesday with an online video of music, speeches and art that was focused on honoring the men and women who have served in the armed forces.

The annual Veterans Day programs at area high schools are big events with color guards, speeches, music and fanfare before an assembly of the entire school and area veterans organizations. An assembly was not possible with the pandemic and so staff and students contributed several parts to the make a 24-minute program that is now posted at hurley.k12.wi.us.

Roy Haeger, the school district information technology specialist, was responsible for putting the program together, said Kevin Genisot, school district administrator. The program is to thank veterans, veteran organizations, community leaders and other individuals and organizations who have contributed to the school’s Veterans Day observances through the years.

“This is a very special day and it’s something we wanted to ensure we celebrated and did so in the safest manner possible,” Genisot said. “Although a totally different program than a typical year, it allowed each classroom to have meaningful discussions while everyone was able to contribute to honoring our Veterans.”

The program starts with members of the Hurley High School Choir offering an acapella performance of the national anthem outside the school. They are followed by Christopher Kelly, high school social studies teacher, who went through the history of Armistice Day following the cease-fire of World War I, to the current Veterans Day that was established to encompass all servicemen and women following World War II.

“It is altogether fitting and proper that we take time to commemorate the actions of those who trained, fought and sacrificed to secure our liberties — providing us the ability to discuss, debate and engage one another without recourse or fear of dispossession,” Kelly said in the presentation. “It is a time to pay respects to those who have served as a day of singular focus on respect and appreciation for veterans.”

The program goes on to show students holding pictures of family and loved ones who have served in the armed forces with patriotic music in the background. The younger students paraded a showcase of artwork and messages that honor relatives and loved ones who served.

The Hurley School band came next with another outdoor performance of patriotic music.

Three high school seniors offered remarks on the nation’s history and those who serve.

Brooke Taylor said these tumultuous times are a reminder of how the country has endured. The Constitution has helped the nation adjust to changing times while keeping the focus of power with the people, through protest and the right of free speech.

Hunter Fink recited the oath of service that he took during his enlistment in the U.S. Navy at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Milwaukee.

“I was thinking of all the brave men and women who served before me who did the same thing and were in my position,” he said.

Shane Lynch said the constitution has been amended and is protected by our veterans. He would not want to live in any other time than the present.

Hurley School Band members Joe Cane and Jaxon Sokol concluded the commemoration with “Taps.”