These Color Guard Veterans carried the stars and stripes at New London’s Veteran’s Day event Nov. 11 (left to right): Bob Marcks, Air Force 1952-56; Bob Poppy, Navy 1952-56; and Pete Popke, Navy 1960-63.
Army National Guard Veteran Joe Connelly was the featured speaker at New London’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony, held at New London High School. Connelly served as a Staff Sergeant in Afghanistan (2003) and Iraq (2006-07). He signed up two months prior to the Sept. 11, 2001 attack in New York City. He shared a story of a fallen comrade and said he would never forget him. Connelly is a chemistry, physics and principals of engineering teacher at NLHS. He reminded us that 17,000 Wisconsin soldiers are serving our country today.
Parkview students and teachers also gathered for the flag raising on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. Parkview students and teachers recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Flag raiser Nicholas Roberts, who helped to raise the flag, said that while he was standing there he was thinking about his uncle, Joe Kosmerchock, a veteran who spent an 18-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. At Lincoln Elementary School, on 11/11/11 at 11 a.m., a moment of silence was held throughout the building.
A Veteran’s Day ceremony was held at Most Precious Blood Catholic School in New London Nov. 10. These students held American Flags and listened to the history of Armistice and Veterans Day. They also recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang patriotic songs.