I went to the Elementary Veterans’ Program on Monday, November 11.  The whole program was impressive.  The work done by the teachers and support staff at the school was important and right on target.  The music was patriotic.  The essays were amazing coming from students so young. The American Legion Post members brought dignity to the occasion.  Debbie Horsley, Helen Ward and Kerry Evans were recognized for their important role in building this program.  Historically, my favorite parts have been the Branch Songs and the slide show memorial honoring those who have served from our county.  However, this year I could not stop the tears as I listened to the fifth-grade students sing our National Anthem with conviction.  It was moving.  

I know, Mrs. Christine Smith may not want to hear this, but those kids should all sing the National Anthem at one of our home basketball games this year.  It should be advertised so everyone in town is there.  I hope the fifth-graders realize what an impact they had on those who attended.  And I hope they never forget the feelings they had when they sang about their country.  If I knew how to get ahold of President-elect Trump, I’d suggest they sing at his inauguration.  Not sure he would listen to me, but he should in this case.  Well, done students!  You reminded us of our Good Life and encouraged us To Always Remember.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

The poem that accompanied last week’s column in the paper was somehow truncated, and the final two stanzas were left out of the publication.  With profuse apologies to Dotty Evanson, we present the compete poem here:

The summer night was clear and cool,

We returned from a trip ovenight.

A neighbor-boy’s book was on our porch,

Across the street glowed Louise’s porch light.

The bags were unpacked, the washer filled,

The day had been busy and right,

The neighbors were quiet, Louise’s was still

From the window I saw her porch light.

I crawled into bed after saying my prayers

And reflected on the day’s many sights,

A geyser…an elk…buffalo grazing…

And finally, the neighbor’s porch lights.

Those lights seemed to say what all good neighbors do:

“We’re here at the end of your flight.”

The glow and the warmth shined out in the dark,

I love Louise’s porch light.

I love Louise Williams,
1935—2024, A Light to All.