High School Holds Veterans Day Program
Diller-Odell High School hosted a Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 1:30 PM. A few local veterans were able to attend; ironically, all of them had served in the U.S. Navy. The Diller-Odell band played the Star-Spangled Banner to open the ceremony. Social Studies teacher John Mohr then gave a brief history of Veterans Day. Next, five members of the Senior Class of 2026 presented a U.S. flag-folding presentation that showed proper etiquette and what the 13 different folds to the flag represent. Then, Jefferson County Commissioner Mark Schoenrock (and retired Army veteran) gave some inspiring words about being a veteran and the importance of young people learning the importance of
community service. The inspiring conclusion of the ceremony saw local veteran (and Diller- Odell bus driver) Bill Behrends being presented with a ‘Quilt of Valor’. Mrs. Rebecca Zaboktrsky (a member of the local ‘Quilts of Valor’ organization) explained to the crowd how the ‘Quilts of Valor’ was an inspiration of a mother, whose son was
away fighting in Iraq back in 2003. Rebecca informed the audience that over 380,000 ‘Quilts of Valor” have been presented to veterans across the nation since
its inception. Bill’s military service history was then read, which told of his time serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War Era. Many members of his family
were able to attend. Bill’s quilt was made by Diller-Odell 7th Grader Hadleigh Pryor for a civic 4-H project, who, coincidentally, has been riding on Bill’s bus route since she began attending Kindergarten. The Diller-Odell band then played a small medley of patriotic songs to close the day. Afterwards, cookies & drinks were served to the veterans, other adults, and the students who attended the ceremony. All-in-all, it was an enjoyable day, showing Diller-Odell High School paying a respectful tribute to Veterans Day.