Minneota honors veterans

The Minneota Veteran’s Day Program held at Minneota High School included a salute by veterans  John DeSmet, Harold DeSmet, Terry Schreiber, with fellow local veterans behind them.

John DeSmet was part of the presentation of the colors. Surrounded by flags, senior Ryan Vlaminck, the Taunton American Legion Boys’ Stater gave a presentation to the crowd.

He talked about the American flag, using a poem that included the flag talking about itself. “I’m the Flag. My name is Old Glory. I stand watch, stand guard over peace, honor, truth and justice,” Vlaminck said.

He added that Old Glory, “Bows to nobody.” The poem continued, “I was at every battle the last 200 years. I was soiled, burned, trampled on streets of even my own country ... but I will overcome.”

Trevor Belaen, representing the Minneota American Legion, also spoke and said he, “Learned a lot about the U.S. government.”

He also paid tribute to the flag with a poem that said, “We’re kind of proud of that ragged old flag.”

Student Council President Brooklyn Nelson provided over the event and senior class president Thomas Hennen thanked everyone for coming.