CC Veterans Day speaker: Honor veterans’ sacrifices by exercising freedom to chase dreams

Karissa Jensen sounds taps during the Veterans Day Ceremony Friday in the competition gym at the new Charles City Middle School. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Charles City veterans were seated as special guests Friday at the Veterans Day ceremony in the competition gym at Charles City Middle School. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Charles City choir members sing the national anthem during the Veterans Day Ceremony Friday in the competition gym at the new Charles City Middle School. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

People attending the Veterans Day ceremony Friday in the competition gym at Charles City Middle School bow their heads during a minute of silence. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

People attending the Veterans Day ceremony Friday in the competition gym at Charles City Middle School bow their heads during a minute of silence. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Charles City High School students lead veterans to their seats Friday during the Veterans Day ceremony in the competition gym at Charles City Middle School. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Charles City High School students place flags representing branches of the U.S. military at the front at the Veterans Day ceremony in the competition gym at Charles City Middle School. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Army Capt. Joel Sage delivers the keynote address at the Veterans Day Ceremony Friday in the competition gym at the new Charles City Middle School. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Charles City High School senior Olivia Hake explains why she is joining the U.S. Marine Corps during the Veterans Day Ceremony Friday in the competition gym at the new Charles City Middle School. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Charles City High School seniorDavid Dejongoy explains why he is joining the military during the Veterans Day Ceremony Friday in the competition gym at the new Charles City Middle School. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Wolfgang Baldus's reflection is seen in his tuba as the Charles City High School band performs Friday at the Veterans Day Ceremony Friday in the competition gym at the new Charles City Middle School. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Immaculate Conception School students speak about veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony Friday. — Press photo by Chris Baldus

Immaculate Conception School students sing during a Veterans Day ceremony Friday. — Press photo by Chris Baldus