November 11th marks a very important day in the United States- Veteran’s Day, a day in which we honor the brave men and women who have served our country in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and National Guard. On this day the Cannon Falls High School held their yearly program in order to pay respect to all veterans.

The Cannon Falls Concert Band introduced the program with the selection ” America the Beautiful.” Marching proudly, the color guard led by Joel Rustad, made their entrance through the main gym doors. Immediately following the Color Guard, a variety of veterans from Cannon Falls ventured down to the school to show their respect for fallen and living brothers/sisters in arms. Each veteran was assisted by participating NHS members, who each enjoyed being apart of the experience. The National Anthem began after the flag was raised and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. The choir sang “God Bless America”  and was directed by Sue Franke. “I thought that the program was really spectacular,” comments Franke, “especially with everything going on in the United States with the election and the diverse ideals, it’s just good to have something to remind people about the bigger picture. I’m very proud of my choir on their performance which was very balanced having an even number of lows and highs, which really adds to the sound.”

Superintendent Beth Giese spoke to the crowd about her trials and tribulations as she has served this country. “ I come from a long line of enlisted men and women so  I was in the USAR for twelve years,” reports Giese, “ and ‘hung my boots’ when my daughter was born in 2002. Being in the Army has made me value my education and the freedoms that we have even more. I’ve learned never to take anything for granted, to live life to its fullest and more than anything to work hard.” When asked about this year’s program Giese stated that the program was one of the best. “I like how Glenn Schultz from the Navy got all the Veterans from Twin Rivers and the Cannon Falls Nursing Home to come down. It was an honor to have them there. During my speech, my emotion came from listening to the choir and band play and sing the songs that have so much meaning to me personally.” The program ended with one final piece from the Band with a twist. As they played “Armed Forces Salute” Veterans who were present would stand as the song of their branch of military sounded off and they were met with applause from all in the stands.

This year’s Program had many new surprises and turns that were found to be enjoyable and more organized. “ I really liked how organized it was this year,” comments senior Elizabeth Reinhardt, “and Beth Giese’s speech this year was phenomenal. She has such a way with words and emotions. That was awesome. The band and choir sounded a lot better this year with the new seating arrangements we had and having everyone on the same side of the gym helped a lot to.” When asked about what Veteran’s Day means to her, Reinhardt responded with, “My grandfather and my uncle were Vets so it means a lot because now we are free and I probably wouldn’t do   much to celebrate being in school but adding a program to recognize them really adds to the day.”

However there were some tough situations that had people on pins and needles as the date of the performance loomed ever nearer. “I thought it was really great and that the band and choir sounded really well,” Says director Legvold, “The arrangement that we have of the Armed Forces Salute is slightly difficult and this year the band has a lot of freshmen and sophomores so I was a little worried there. I really liked the idea of the Veterans standing when they heard their song and I would just like to say thanks for your service.” In the end though the people pulled through and the Program went smoothly as people remembered the fallen and the fighting Veterans.