Annual tribute honors veterans

Vietnam-era veteran Dan Stramel of McCook accepts a pin from McCook Junior High eighth grader Dominick Domingo, during a Veterans Day program at the school Tuesday morning. Behind Stramel -- wiping a tear from his cheek -- is his father, Ray Stramel, also of McCook, a veteran of World War II. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette)

On Veterans Day, students at McCook Junior High paid tribute to the soldiers who preserve the freedom of America.

The Veterans Day program at the junior high has become an annual event to recognize the achievements and sacrifices of American soldiers and honor their resolve to keep America free.

About 15 veterans -- from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq and peacetime -- received pins from the students who filled the bleachers in the gymnasium.

Central Elementary's "Special Connection" sang a song that asked, "What Can You Say to a Hero?," and answered its own question: "Thank you."

Tears fell down the cheeks of several of the veterans when the group sang a song whose chorus included the phrase, "Sometimes I think about America ... and always cry American tears."

The program ended with a moment of silence, and "Taps" echoing again and again in the gymnasium filled with many young people, who -- like the veterans seated before them -- will someday stand up in defense of America's freedom.