Malad is a town with a deep tradition of support for the military and all branches of the armed forces.  From the amazing downtown Veterans memorial, to the vibrant American Legion, to the traditional Memorial Day commemoration at the Malad City Cemetery, the town and county are first in line to pay respects to those who have sacrificed all in the service of our country.

One of the highlights of the local calendar for Veterans celebrations is the Malad Elementary Veterans program, which was held last week.  The program is a chance for MES students to express their patriotism, and to showcase the local members of the armed services, both past and present.

The program itself involved a number of musical numbers by MES students, the participation of the Ernest W. Jones American Legion Post 65, the annual essay contest, and guest speaker Garen Atkinson.  

To open the event, Principal Sarah McIntyre welcomed the audience and thanked them for coming outto recognize the hard work the students had done in preparation, as well as the sacrifices made by those who were being honored during the day.  The event is one that many people in town look forward to, both to see their children realize the solemnity of the occasion as well as to see relatives commemorated.

The colors were posted by the available members of the Ernest W. Jones 65 American Legion Post, after which the pledge and national anthem were joined in with by the crowd. 

During the course of the program, the three winning essays from the student writing and speaking contest were presented, Jaxson Kimberling, Rebecca Nelson, and Jettsen Miller.  The essays in their full form were printed in last week’s edition of the Enterprise. 

As an acknowledgment of all the branches of service, a medley of each branch’s song was performed, while Veterans from the Legion as well as the audience were honored and asked to stand and salute.  The Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard songs were all performed with gusto.

Keynote speaker Garen Atkinson, who served for eight years in the Army National Guard, then spoke.  “I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you today at this Veterans program.  I joined the National Guard in my junior year of high school.  I had the great opportunity to be put on a rifle team that got to go all over the country to compete in shooting competitions and represent the state of Idaho.  I went to boot camp the day after graduation instead of going on my senior trip with all of my friends.  I spent eight years in the National Guard after that.

Although I never got deployed, my unit stayed on high alert to be ready to go out on a moment’s notice during Desert Storm.  I feel that I will always have a brotherhood with the people I served with.  One of my best friends is still serving in the unit.  I actually served with some people you all know—Dr. Abrams, Dick Robbins, and Don Lee Hess.  My son Austin  also joined the Army National Guard and spent time serving our country.  He had the opportunity of being in the Honor Guard, where he attended graveside services, paying final respects for veterans who have passed on.  

I have often said that every young man and every young woman that wants to ought to either serve their country, or serve a mission for their church.  You will learn things in the service of others that you won’t learn anywhere else.  

I love this country, and I have deep respect for its flag.  I have also been a big football fan as well.  But when the NFL players started disrespecting our flag I stopped supporting the NFL.  I don’t watch those games anymore.  That flag is the reason those players get paid a lot of money for doing what they love.  

People in our country often see athletes as heroes, but as Bob Dylan said, ‘I think of a hero as someone who understands that you have a responsibility that comes with freedom.’  And John Thune said, “I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink.  It is a recognized symbol that stands for liberty and freedom.  It is a history of our nation, and it is marked by the blood of those who died defending it.”

I recently joined the American Legion and received their magazine.  In it, there is a poem that describes what a veteran is: ‘V is for Veteran.  When we’re thanked for our service, we reflect on how we serve.  The way we had to break in our boots as we gathered up our nerve.  The nicknames that made us laugh.  The smell of chili-mac MREs.  The pride we felt with that first oath, the friendships that came to be.  So at the game when we’re asked to stand, it’s not applause that’s in my sight, I’m looking around for you me friend, to see who’s on my left and my right.’

Let us not forget that this country is so great because of our soldiers.  Let’s respect our flag, thank our soldiers, and be respectful and kind to everyone around us so that we can continue enjoying the life we live in this great nation.  Thank you.”

Following Atkinson’s remarks, a slide show presentation featured the pictures of Oneida county Veterans from the early twentieth century up to currently serving members of the armed forces.  The slideshow was a solemn testament to the large number of Oneida county residents over the last hundred plus years who have chosen to serve their country domestically and overseas, many of them losing their lives in the service of a greater good.

MES fifth graders closed out the program with a rendition of “I Love that Grand Old Flag,” after which the colors were retired and many of those in attendance took time to greet both the Veterans and the students.

The event was directed by MES’s Christine Smith, who also provided the script and music.  Decorations were created by Christine Smith, Cinnaman Allen, Brinn Bagley and Kallie Blaisdell.  The lighting and sound were handled by Susan Clark and Trina Grote.  Judges for the written essay contest were Jean Schwartz, Anne Crowther and Lois Willie.  Judges for the essay presentation were Jeff and Laurie Richins, and Garry and Geneal White.  The slide presentation was created by Kerry Evans and Cinnaman Allen.  The Veterans Bootcamp Presenters were Wyatt Allen and Cinnaman Allen.  Auditorium Maintenance was provided by Devin Morrison and Jeff Richins.