A heroic local salute
CFHS teachers and former student veterans play a prominent role in the Veterans Day celebration
Veterans listen to speaker Jesse Johnson during the Veterans’ Day presentation
CFHS graduate and Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Johnson speaks to the assembly on Veterans' Day Luke Newinsky
Marching into the gym with the procession of flags held high and proud were teacher Joel Rustad, former teacher John Hobert, and former student and special guest Jesse Johnson along with a host of local veterans. Each of these three performed a special function in this celebration of the 100th year anniversary of Veterans’ Day. Johnson, a lieutenant colonel in the army, made his way to the podium to give this years speech.
Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Johnson was introduced as a Cannon Falls native, who has returned with his family after moving throughout the United States. He gave a memorable speech as he looked back on his years spent in the military.
Sunday, November 11th, 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of Veterans’ Day, originally known as Armistice Day, in celebration of the military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. However, at the Cannon Falls High School, the celebration extended another day. On Monday, November 12th, Cannon Falls High School held their annual Veterans’ Day service to honor those in our community who have served. The program began at 10:00 am with the presentation of the colors as both active and former members of the military entered into the gym. Following the presentation, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the CFHS concert band and choir went on to perform the ‘Star-Spangled Banner.”
Among the veterans, there were a few familiar faces- one of the notable ones belonging to Joel Rustad, part of the color guard. Mr. Rustad, a current middle school and high school Phy Ed teacher at CFHS, was a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve and a part of the Minnesota National Guard. He served eight years in the Reserve and two years in the National Guard. When asked about his participation in the Veterans’ Day service, he replied: “I feel very honored to be apart of the Veterans’ Day service.”
I feel very honored to be apart of the Veterans’ Day service — Mr. Rustad
The band also played America The Beautiful and Armed Forces Salute, while the concert choir sang Homeland. The performances were moving to some students in the audience. One student, Aizlynn Thim, stated: “I always like seeing the veterans stand up when they hear the song of the Military Branch they served in, like during Armed Forces Salute.” Mr. Rustad also gave a similar comment: “My favorite part of the service is how we honor the older Veterans. To see them stand and be so proud of their Military Branch while the bands plays.”
Before the colors were retired and the service ended, veteran John Hobert, a former CFHS agriculture teacher presented a slideshow. It was a collection of photography and profiles of the active and former military members from Cannon Falls as far back as WWI.
Overall, this Veterans’ Day service was definitely a success as an honorable tribute to the courageous individuals of our community.
Sydney is a junior who participates in the school's theater productions and speech team. She also takes music lessons at St. Olaf. When she isn't ruthlessly...
