Veterans Day program continues long standing tradition at RRMR

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Steve Howell walked up to the podium in the gymnasium at RRMR School on Monday, facing an eager audience of students, teachers, military veterans and other area residents.

It was an emotional moment for the retired member of the National Guard and Army Reserve.

“I would have never thought in 1972 that I would be up here today,” said Howell, 65.

Howell, a 1972 Rockford High School graduate, was the guest speaker at the Veterans Day program that has been a longstanding tradition at RRMR since 2001 – just two months after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 took place.

Howell posed a question to everyone in attendance – “What is a veteran?”

His query had a quick retort.

“Someone who’s, at one point in their life, written a blank check made payable to the United States of America for up to and including their life for service to our country and citizens,” said Howell. “Young people, everything you have today and the opportunities you will have are because of people like these. Their forefathers kept the proverbial wolf at the door.”

As is the case with many Veterans Day programs across the United States, taps was played, the colors were presented and a moment of silence was observed to remember those who have fallen serving their country. It was a day to honor military veterans and that was the theme of this year’s presentation put on and organized by the RRMR Senior Class.

“Our goal for this assembly today is for all veterans who have served or are serving, to feel truly honored. Many of you in this room do what some of us can’t even imagine. You risked your lives for the freedom of people that you don’t even know and to us that deserves to be honored,” said RRMR senior Kayla Carroll. “On behalf of the Rockford Senior Class, we would like to thank all veterans for your courage and hope that you truly feel honored – not just today, but every day.”

“I appreciate the kids’ effort and the support of the community,” said teacher Kent Shultz, who, with various other educators, has been helping the senior class present Veterans Day programs for almost 20 years.

The program is well attended by the community and now seats attendees on both sides of the bleachers at the gymnasium. Veterans also sit in the many chairs that are lined up in the middle of the gym’s hardwood floor. As the years passed, students also started serving the veterans a meal after the program concludes.

Howell spoke about his time serving the United States for the Army’s 415th Military Police Detachment, which helped protect the nation after the September 2001 terrorist attacks. He also spoke of highly decorated war heroes such as Audie Murphy and famous battles that have taken place over the last century.

“He told me it was going to be a history lesson. I really enjoyed it,” said Shultz. “It’s funny how many things he mentioned that I know our kids have been taught here at school – some of the battles, or the names, events or concepts. It’s good to hear that. It helps you gain perspective and I think it helps you when you move forward to have the lessons in the past.”

Howell’s message to his fellow veterans was that of respect and what their service and dignity meant to him.

“As a good soldier I have saluted officers as required. I have saluted respected, retired senior NCOs (non-commissioned officers). I believe in saluting heroes. To all of you veterans here today and the spouses that have stood by you through the years, you are my heroes. God bless you and thank you for your service,” said Howell.