Veterans Honored at Central, EHS

Veterans were honored Thursday at both Central Grade School and Effingham High School.

Fifth graders at Central have learned about veterans and their role in protecting America during their time in the armed forces for more than 20 years. Our own Doc Kralman, who is a Navy veteran from the Vietnam era, has served as guest speaker for the program for its entire history.

Some photos from Thursday's ceremony at Central:

Unit 40 grade music teacher Jamie Jennings leads the choir in some patriotic music. Mrs Jennings shared that as she is retiring, this would be the final Veterans Day event in which she will be involved. South Side music teacher Austin Stout accompanied the choir.

Garland Bloemker (FAR RIGHT) is one of a number of veterans who served as a Color Guard for the ceremony

Drummer Stetson Green and trumpet player Nathan Lohman were a part of Thursday's ceremony

Earlier in the day, Effingham High School held its annual salute to veterans. The EHS Social Studies department, the EHS History Club, the EHS Band and the EHS Chorus all took part in the ceremony, which was followed by a punch and cookies reception for the veterans in the EHS library. World War II veteran Cecil Poe of Effingham was among the veterans in attendance.