God Bless the U.S.A. was a crowd favorite.

by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — As always a packed house at Wellington High School auditorium were on their feet several times during the hour long Veteran’s Day Program to pay tribute to those men and women who have served and are currently serving our nation in the military.

This year’s guest speaker was Doug Smith, a Vietnam War Veteran of the U.S. Army.

Veterans Day is an official U.S. holiday observed annually on November 11, honoring military veterans, that is, people who served in the U.S. Armed Forces which coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day.

Jim Lockhart was the emcee for the event.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who gave their lives and those who perished while in service.

In Wellington, the celebration is arguably one of the best around. As Smith spoke about his days in Vietnam, the WHS band would play songs, choirs would sing songs, and those who were in the military would stand up when their branch was recognized. Several of the drama students made a performance of what it was like to be in a war setting.

Wellington fifth graders from Kennedy, Lincoln, Eisenhower, and Washington schools. 

WHS Madigral Choir.

Veterans and Veteran supporters alike were having a good time Wednesday.

WHS Band.

Area veterans were recognized.

For more pictures of the event, click here.

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