Veterans honored at ceremony

Sherry Maddox, Veterans Day Committee Chairperson, served as the program emcee.		Major Craig Strong gives the Veterans Day message during the celebration ceremony.

A Falls City Veterans Day Celebration was held in the Falls City High School gymnasium on on Monday, November 12. The program was held at 11:00 A.M. Serving as the emcee of the program was Sherry Maddox, VFW Auxiliary member and wife of Veteran Marshall Maddox, former mayor and Falls City Public Schools teacher, who had been in charge of the Veterans program for years before his death last year.

Major Strong presents the POW Medal to Ethan, Noala, Lyle, and Daniel Fritz in honor of 1LT Jacob Fritz. Noala Fritz is a biology teacher at the high school.

The ceremony started with the posting of our National Colors by the Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard. Under the direction of John Svoboda, the Falls City High School Band played the Star Spangled Banner. The Invocation was given by Father Robert Roh, Superintendent of Falls City Sacred Heart School.

Mrs. Maddox welcomed everyone and made introductions. This was followed by the "Song of the Unsung Hero," performed by the joint choirs of Falls City and Sacred Heart High Schools under the direction of Alisha Sutton and Elizabeth Gruber.

The Veterans Day message was given by Iraqi War Veteran Major Craig Stong, Operations Officer of the 110th Medical Battalion, Nebraska Army National Guard. Major Strong traced the history of Veterans Day back to 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson issued an Armistice Day proclamation following World War I. Major Strong said, "On this Veterans Day 2007, our nation is once again involved in hostilities in foreign lands. Our soldiers are once again fighting and dying for the ideals that our nation holds so dear. In an age of unsurpassed prosperity, with instant communications and internet access, in a nation more concerned with American Idol than American ideals, our nation is still able to call upon its sons and daughters to go into harm's way to protect us and defend our way of life."

Major Strong concluded by saying, "By being here today, you have shown your support. Americans have repeatedly shown their appreciation for soldiers' and Veterans' sacrifices in the toughest of times. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your tears, your prayers, and your support. We ask that you continue to support our Veterans and encourage your friends and families to do the same."

The Falls City High School and Falls City Sacred Heart choirs sang "Song of the Unsung Hero."

Following his message, Major Strong presented the POW Award to the Lyle and Noala Fritz family in honor of their son 1LT Jacob N. Fritz. A West Point graduate, Fritz was killed in action on January 20, 2007, after being captured by enemy forces in Karbala, Iraq. Major Strong served as the Fritz family's Casualty Assistance Officer.

The Veterans Day ceremony ended with the Benediction by Father Roh. As the Colors were retired, the high school band played God Bless America.