On Veterans Day, Wednesday November 11, 2015, during third hour, the Cannon Falls High School and Middle School got out of class to go to the gym to honor and remember those who have served our country. The ceremony included a performance of the Cannon Falls concert band and choir, with the band playing our national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, followed by America the Beautiful and Armed forces Salute, after the band’s wonderful performance the choir sang the iconic Flander’s Fields. Several local VFW veterans in a color guard and some respectful words from members of the community were highlights of the ceremony, the featured speaker being a U.S. army veteran and CF gym teacher, Joel Rustad.

Rustad, in an interview expressed how happy he was with the service. “The ceremony went excellently with the band and choir performances and the VFW color guard,” commented Rustad when asked about the remembrance service. Despite troubles with the American flag’s attachment to the color guard pole he said, “the student’s respect and behavior was incredible.” A few issues with the American flag won’t stop Cannon Falls from respecting and honoring United States’ veterans.

In the interview Rustad also shared his thoughts, as a U.S. veteran, of what people should do on Veteran’s day. People should honor veterans but also remember  that they are “ordinary” people as well. He said the biggest item he wanted students to take from his speech was: “what can they do to better themselves?” Veterans day should be more than honoring our service members, but it also should make students think about ways to better themselves. Being a patriot isn’t just about honoring United States’ service members on Veteran’s day, it is also being a respectful and proud citizen of The United States of America.