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RRMR Veterans Day program honors those who served

  • Military hats and helmets are on display at RRMR High School during its Veterans Day program on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Military hats and helmets are on display at RRMR High School during its Veterans Day program on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Military hats and helmets are on display at RRMR High School during its Veterans Day program on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Marine and guest speaker Roger Hunt, left, and RRMR teacher Kent Shultz talk before the start of the 18th annual Veterans Day program at RRMR High School on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Military veteran Naomi Bienfang prepares for the start of the 18th annual Veterans Day program at RRMR High School on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • The RRMR School Choir sings at the 18th annual Veterans Day program at RRMR High School on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Military veterans salute the American Flag at the 18th annual Veterans Day program at RRMR High School on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Members of the RRMR school band play at the 18th annual Veterans Day program at RRMR High School on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Marine and guest speaker Roger Hunt speaks at the 18th annual Veterans Day program at RRMR High School on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Marine and former RRMR teacher Hank Vogelman speaks at the 18th annual Veterans Day program at RRMR High School on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • The colors are retired by Boy Scout Troop 1034 at the 18th annual Veterans Day program at RRMR High School on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Several veterans get ready for a meal presented by RRMR students at the 18th annual Veterans Day program at RRMR High School on Friday in Rockford. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Members of Kent Shultz’s government class can take with them many life lessons learned in their time scribbling notes and walking the hallways at Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School.

The 18th annual RRMR Veterans Days program that they helped organize and put on will also likely be a lasting memory.

The program’s theme this year was “courage,” and featured music and presentations Friday that honored veterans who have served in the armed forces.

Shultz, who has been teacher at RRMR since 1994, teaches eighth-grade American History and government to his high school seniors. Shultz wanted a way to honor veterans and came up with the idea for the program almost two decades ago after talking to former RRMR educator and Marine Hank Vogelman.

Vogelman is a retired P.E. teacher who put in 53 years of service in education, according to one of his former students and fellow veterans present at the ceremony.

Shultz said he is very pleased about how the program has evolved and grown over the years.

“This here has become very inclusive. Most of the high school is involved one way or another. Every senior class gets their input. I facilitate, but it’s truly their program,” said Shultz. “Every class does something a little bit different, which is kind of neat — puts their own stamp on it.”

Vogelman closed out the program yelling, “How ’bout them Warriors!” – an ode to the school’s nickname and the school spirit that has been kicked into high gear recently as the football team will play for its first ever state title later this week.  

He then had veterans stand and exclaimed, “You want to see some real warriors? Look over here. Stand up, warriors. Come on,” yelled Vogelman.

Armistice Day was first recognized by President Woodrow Wilson 99 years ago on November 11, 1919 – the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. The day to honor veterans was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.  

“I’m proud to be here and I am proud to be a Marine and I am proud to be a Rockford Warrior,” said Vogelman.

Several veterans attended in the packed gym and listened to guest speaker Roger Hunt. Hunt, a former Marine from Rock Falls who enlisted in 1956, spoke about the cost it sometimes takes to remain a nation unimpeded in its effort to include all.

“The sobering thought is, freedom is not free,” said Hunt. “It gives me great reply to stand humbly, shoulder to shoulder, as an equal member in the fraternity called veterans.”

The program listed the names of 159 local veterans, many of them deceased.

“These veterans, both men and women, rose to the call of the needs of this great nation. They have formed bonds so strong that even time nor tide, nor great distances of separation can break them. It is a brotherhood understood only by those who have been there,” said Hunt, 81.

Shultz’s students have been working on the program since September as a part of community services program. There was an in-house veterans program for the RRMR Elementary School on Tuesday.

After the program is finished, tables are set up so all veterans in attendance can take part in meal served by students.

“Through the years, I’m just grateful that kids have always embraced it and the community has really embraced it. They’re so supportive — the veterans and their family members,” said Shultz.

Shultz said he is also very happy that his students have been able to realize what sacrifice, bravery and honor can do to a nation.

“Most of them have a connection or if they think they didn’t they realize they have one. Just understanding what the military does — it’s a great teaching tool,” said Shultz. “You don’t have to stand in front of the classroom to do that.”

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