A tribute to warriors

U.S. Senator John Barrasso opened the Veterans Day musical program at Sundance Elementary School last week with a speech about the importance of those who serve and Wyoming's contributions to the defense of America.

Barrasso brought "challenge coins" with him for every veteran present and spoke to the fact that all Wyoming's veterans are also cowboys, which means they keep on going and never complain. He told the audience that his father fought during World War II and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge.

Barrasso's father told him that freedom was never more than a generation from being lost if it is not fought for, he said, and told him to thank God for the blessing of being born in the United States.

Following his speech, the fifth and sixth grade presented their program, which began with a rendition of "Those Who Served." After asking the audience to join with them in singing the national anthem and presenting a fun version of "Yankee Doodle's Pony," the kids paid tribute to each branch of the Armed Services.

As a branch's flag was brought forward, any veteran who had served in that branch – and family members of veterans – were asked to stand as they were recognized with their song. The program ended with "Fifty Nifty United States" and "Thankful for the USA," before veterans were invited to enjoy refreshments and answer questions about their service from the students.