— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Teresa Wood The Williams American Legion Post 633 presented a new American flag to Northeast Hamilton Elementary School and on Veterans Day last Friday, Post members raised the new flag in an early morning ceremony. Veterans Loren Hoelscher and Don Katschke do the honors while NEH students and staff observe the event.

WILLIAMS – Williams American Legion Post 633 presented Northeast Hamilton Elementary School with a new American flag during a Veterans Day ceremony on Friday.

Veteran Price Moberly told the students and staff that Veterans Day is a time to remember the men and women who have served.

The history of the day recalls the moment on November 11, 1918 at 11 a.m. when the armistice for World War I — the war to end all wars — took place, said Moberly.

“Veterans are who have made this nation what it is,” said Moberly, who served in the Iowa National Guard in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It is because of their service, veterans share life-changing experiences

that will never leave them, said Moberly.

“It is a common thread that unites each of our veterans,”  he told the

assembly.

Williams American Legion Post 633 Commander Wayne Wahlert asked that while the flag is raised, it is important to remember veterans and their service and that America is one nation under God.

“Gracious God, we give thanks for military men and women, both past and present and for their courageous service and sacrifice to our country and its people to secure the blessings of life, liberty and justice for all,” intoned Wahlert in Veterans Day prayer.

He asked all to remember that freedom is secured at a high cost.

After the Stars and Stripes were raised by Loren Hoelscher and Don

Katschke, the NEH Fifth and Sixth Grade students lead the school in reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance”.

Veterans attending Friday’s ceremony were Don Katschke, Wayne Wahlert, Loren Hoelscher, Price Moberly, Don Williams, Lynn Elm, Bob Keane, William Hendrickson, John Keane and Melvin Moore.

“Thank you for everything you did for us!” First Grader Bristol Yeager spontaneously called out to the veterans at the conclusion of the event.

Prior to the event, each veteran was presented with a handmade key fob made by Alivia Wahlert and a chocolate bar inscribed with an expression of gratitude.