Standing room only at Valentine Elementary’s Veterans Day program
When you think of school concerts, you might picture winter or spring performances. But in Valentine, they go big for Veterans Day.
By News Channel NebraskaVALENTINE, Neb. - When you think of school concerts, you might picture winter or spring performances. But in Valentine, they go big for Veterans Day. With standing room only, students filled the high school gymnasium with patriotic songs honoring local veterans.
Before the concert began, Valentine High School students sat down with the veterans in attendance to learn about their experiences in the military.
“I think a lot of the time it’s overlooked. It’s like, ‘They’re just a veteran.’ They’re not just a veteran. They gave up a lot of their time,” said Valentine High School student Addy Stec.
For Stec, Veterans Day is personal. Her grandfather, Col. Vic Wager, made the nine-hour drive from Missouri to attend.
“The kids invited me, and I think it’s important for them to see the people who served in uniform,” Wager said.
Wager served nearly 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, traveling the world before retiring. At the concert, students were encouraged to invite veterans who hold a special place in their lives.
“It’s really fun when he comes,” said 7-year-old Charlie Stec, Addy’s younger brother. “I sing proud, and he likes it.”
The concert featured songs representing each military branch and a moment of silence for those who lost their lives serving the country.
“It’s heartfelt when we do this, and we hope that’s the message the veterans feel when the kids get up and sing to them,” said Valentine Elementary music teacher Lisa Eide.
Eide’s father and both of her brothers served in the military. She said the concert is not only a way to honor veterans but also an opportunity for students to learn about the military.
“They don’t know what a caisson is—‘caissons go rolling along,’” Eide said, referencing the Army’s official song. “We break the songs apart, and I teach those parts of it, so they have an understanding.”
For veterans like Wager, the event is both humbling and heartwarming.
“It’s a little unnerving for me,” Wager said. “I enjoyed what I did in the service. I didn’t think it was anything special, so days like today feel odd.”
After three decades of service, Wager said he’s grateful to now make trips like this one—to watch his grandchildren sing and celebrate freedom.
“It makes you feel very happy and proud,” he said.