• Ceremony included speakers, patriotic songs, color guard
by Nate Gotlieb
ECM Publishers
Air Force veteran Jerod James teared up as retired Army Sgt. 1st Class
Robert Carlson read the poem “In Flanders Fields” to the students and veterans at Parker Elementary.
“You bring back a lot of memories of going overseas and seeing a lot of different things that you see that you really shouldn’t talk about,” James said. “There’s a lot of brothers and sisters that did a lot of hard work over there and really deserve that appreciation.”
James was among the dozens of veterans the school honored Wednesday during its Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony also included a presentation of the colors by the Elk River Veterans Honor and Color Guard, as well as patriotic songs, student speeches and remarks by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeremy Robeck.
Robeck spoke about his experiences as a combat rescue swimmer in the U.S. Navy and how his grandpa’s military service instilled in him a sense of patriotism. He signed up for the Navy after high school and was one of four graduates of training of his class of 40.
Robeck has two children attending Parker and has been coming to the ceremony for years. During his speech, he tried to convey the history of the military and the courage of those who served before him.
“It’s truly a powerful thing for me,” he said.
Air Force veteran Kari Lempka expressed a similar sentiment. Lempka, who was active duty from 1998-2003, said she couldn’t be prouder to be a veteran, expressing appreciation for the other veterans on the stage.
“It’s very humbling to me, because to be honored like this, I feel like I want to stand up and clap for all of them,” she said. “I’m really thankful.”
Veterans Day started almost 100 years ago, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 Armistice Day. It was originally a day to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, Congress voted to change it to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.
Student speakers Grant Stoltman, Ami Stewart and Charlotte Lempka, Kari Lempka’s daughter, explained that history during speeches at the ceremony. They told the students about the different branches of the military and expressed appreciation for their family members who served.
“If it weren’t for the veterans, there wouldn’t be as many freedoms,”
Grant said. “I don’t take for granted the value of my education and friends.”
Robeck expressed similar feelings. He served in the Navy from 1990-94 and did two tours of duty in the Persian Gulf. He counted serving in the military among his best decisions and experiences.
“It’s a great experience,” he said. “You have to be focused and ready to make it happen.”
James called his military service “a worthy four years.” A parent of two kids at Parker, he said he appreciated that the school took the time to celebrate the service of veterans.
“I know they don’t get the fully potential of it or grasp the fully concept of what war’s really about, but I’m glad they celebrate it,” he said. “It’ll bring up stronger generations in the future hopefully.”