GOSHEN COUNTY – In a handful of ceremonies honoring the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serve and protect the great Nation were held throughout Goshen County on Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11.

During Monday’s program, held at Southeast Elementary School Gymnasium, the American Legion conducted the Presentation of Colors followed by the National Anthem sang by Avey Tighe and Brittany Weglin. Beth Simmon’s gave the student body a presentation on the poppy, a popular symbol dedicated to Veterans and service members and Army recruiter, Joshua Orosco, spoke to the student body on the meaning of Veteran’s Day and how important it is to thank a Veteran. He also spoke to the students about the difference between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. Simmon’s sixth-grade class represented the ‘White table’ display.

Lincoln Elementary held a Veterans Day Assembly, inviting students to bring a veteran or active-duty soldier from their life to the event. More than 25 veterans attended. Diana Fittje, music teacher at Lincoln, led the students in a performance of Eleven Eleven March by Teresa Jennings.

The students were then invited to stand with their veteran or service member as they shared which branch of the military they served in. Michael Hatcher, a U.S. Sergeant First Class serving with the unit from Guernsey,

joined his niece, second-grader Sydney Wells, via telephone from Iraq.

Eastern Wyoming College hosted the annual Veteran’s Day program, “Honoring our Veterans,” in the fine arts auditorium at 12:30 p.m. where the American Legion Post #5 conducted the Presentation of Colors which was followed by the Torrington High School Advanced Choir’s performance of the “Star Spangled Banner,” directed by Katelyn Fody. After the Pledge of Allegiance, associate professor, Jake Clark, introduced Retired Army National Guard, Travis Hattan. Hattan asked for the community to continue to keep Wyoming Air National Guard Seconded Battalion 300th Field Artillery, including the 920th Forward Support Company in thoughts and prayers and he spoke to the crowd of attendees, including students from various schools about selfless service. The Torrington High School Treble Choir sang “Homeland,” and all branches of Military Veterans were recognized before the crowd took a moment of silence. Aaron Balmer performed “Taps,” as the ceremony concluded.