By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

GALENA, Kan. — Galena High School students on Monday continued a 12-year tradition of honoring veterans on Veterans Day.

Nine World War II veterans, seven Korean War veterans, 15 Vietnam War veterans, and four veterans from the Persian Gulf War and current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan participated in a reception and a program, and were treated to lunch in the school gym.

Brian Smith, superintendent, said the event provides the school staff and students the opportunity to honor those who have sacrificed to ensure the freedoms they enjoy. He said it also gives the district the opportunity to teach students about patriotism and freedom, so they may be willing to sacrifice for the common good.

“The only way we can continue to enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today is by serving the common good,” Smith said. “If you ask the question ‘What’s in it for me?’ then our future is in jeopardy. The veterans you see before you were willing to make the greatest sacrifice one could be asked to give, yet they answered the call. They didn’t ask ‘What’s in it for me?’”

The program included performances by the Galena High School choir and Galena High School band, patriotic videos produced by students, and a flag-folding demonstration. High-school history teacher Brad Krouse organized the events.

Bob Abbott, 75, of Baxter Springs, said he has attended the event for the past eight or nine years. He is an Air Force veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars.

“I think it’s great that Galena takes the time to honor the veterans every year,” Abbott said.

Turning to his student escort, Abbott said he appreciated the effort the students make.

“It’s no trouble at all,” said Joshua Bryant, a 17-year-old junior. “We enjoy doing it.”

Bryant said it’s the least students can do for those who have done so much for them. He said it was an honor to escort the veterans.

Doyle Castleberry, an 81-year-old Army veteran of World War II from Galena, said he enjoyed the program.

“It gets better every year,” Castleberry said, adding that he has been to the event for several years.

Neal Little, 67, of Galena, was in the Air Force from 1959 to 1963. He said it’s good of the school and the students to take time to honor veterans every year.