Ironwood Schools honors those who served

IRONWOOD - Ironwood students, members of the public and area veterans gathered in Luther L. Wright's John Krznarich Gymnasium Friday for the district's annual Veterans Day ceremony.

The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by members of the school's JROTC Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem by Vanessa Nasi. Following this, and the presentation of the flags of the various branches of the military and service-related organization, the Ironwood High School Band performed, "Armed Forces Salute."

The floor was then turned over to the guest speaker, former JROTC instructor and retired Lt. Col. David Manki.

Manki talked about the history of the holiday - beginning with the end of World War I and the celebration of Armistice Day. He continued by listing the wars fought after the "war to end all wars," highlighted the need to honor all veterans, telling the students to remember names like Iwo Jima and Normandy, the Pusan Perimeter and the Chosin Reservoir, the Tet Offensive, Baghdad and Fallujah.

"We have veterans who have written that history, and are writing it today. Veterans from Ironwood, Bessemer, Wakefield and Hurley," Manki said. "They fought and died to preserve our way of life."

Manki then read an excerpt, written by the senior class in the school's 1944 yearbook.

The students wrote about how the ancient content taught in their history class was supplemented with learning about current events that were taking place in far-off, unknown places.

"Now we stand on the horizon of the future. No longer is the war a current event's paper and grade, instead it's real and it's terrifying," Manki read. "Classmates we dated, did homework with, played football with, have gone into the service, and many more will leave after graduation."

Manki reminded the audience that this was written prior to the Normandy invasion.

The excerpt continued talking about how the war wasn't something they started, but they felt they had to finish.

"Sadly, we realize not all of us will return, some will come back changed forever," the excerpt continued, talking about how the war magnified the transition from childhood to being an adult that graduation represents.

It ended by dedicating the yearbook to all those who served or would serve in the war.

Manki then tied the history of service to his time in attending Luther L. Wright in the '60s and his generation's service in Vietnam.

He wrapped up the speech by telling the current students that they will be writing the history their kids will hear about at future Veterans Day programs, urging them to continue the history of serving in their country, as needed.

Sandra Genisot then led the school's fifth graders in singing "American Heart."

JROTC Cadet Zane Ozzello read the names of those who veterans who died since last year's ceremony. The reading of names was followed by a performance of "Taps."

The colors were then retired and the JROTC battalion performed a pass in review.

Following the ceremony, a short reception was held for the veterans in attendance.