Midvale Students Thank Veterans at Annual Program

“Thank you for your service. Because of you we are free,” sang the Midvale elementary students at the annual Veterans Appreciation Program Thursday. Also sang was “If you love your country, thank a vet.”Director Steve Besel, with the aid of his wife Jenny on the computer projector, led students in singing all the military anthems, God Bless America, Keep Your Eye on the Grand Old Flag and Yankee Doodle. The fifth grade students also quoted from memory the Preamble to the Constitution and sang “Fifty Fifty” reciting all the states at high speed.Also presented was an invocation by Stella Warren and a video tribute to soldiers throughout the history of the United States.Featured speaker was Tim Slemp, currently of Meridian. The Lieutenant Colonel U.S.Army (Ret.) started his mililtary career in the ROTC program at Gonzaga University, graduating in 1996 as a 2nd Lieutenant and serving as Military Police. In his 25 year career he has been to South Korea, Bosnia, Iraq, Germany, Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, and Afghanistan. He has provided readiness advice to the Idaho Army Guard from 2018-2021.Slemp addressed his remarks to the students by reading the Midvale School District Objectives: 1. Become effective and responsible citizens, and 2. Appreciate individuals while working in groups. He reminded everyone of the U. S. promises to veterans and of our duty to maintain those promises. “Our nation is at war,” he said and gave examples of many divisions currently in the nation. He admonished students to consider how to be the best citizens.Danner Morris, dressed in his grandfather’s uniform, then acknowledged the 32 veterans present and each was given a chance to stand, state their name, branch of service, when and where they served. The first to be honored was Chuck Waite who served 1963-65. Second was Richard McCoy who served in Vietnam. The microphone continued to be passed around the crowded gym until every veteran present was able to be honored.Closing remarks were given by Danner Morris with benediction by Stella Warren.After the program all veterans and their families were treated to a free lunch in the school cafeteria.

Featured speaker Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army (ret.) Tim Slemp encouraged students to serve their country.