Students and faculty of Central Middle School presented their annual Veterans Day Salute on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Members of the public, including military veterans in the area, assembled in the CMS gymnasium to honor all those who have served in the U.S. armed forces, past and present.
Members of the Devils Lake High School JROTC Color Guard were on hand for the presentation of colors for the event; they also performed the “Missing Man” Table Ceremony, in which individual members took turns setting a table in front of the assembly, including a tilted empty chair, lighting a candle, a single rose, a rifle and Bible.
“We believe it’s not only important for our students to learn the history and meaning of Veterans Day, it’s also for them to show their respect and gratitude directed to the incredible men and women who are serving or have served in the United States military,” said CMS Principal Dan Kaffar. “They will do this today through music, speeches, the artwork around the gym, and our slideshow.”
A variety of patriotic music performed by the CMS Band as conducted by band director Jeremiah Johnson included “Amazing Grace” and “American Overture.” The school choir, under the direction of music teacher Valerie Ekstrand, also performed selections that included “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while eighth grader Will Ginther performed a piano solo of “God Bless the USA.”
Kaffar concluded his opening remarks with a proclamation from Governor Kelly Armstrong on Nov. 10 in honor of United States Marine Corps Appreciation Day. “’For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of strength and service, faithfully defending our nation, upholding the Constitution, protecting our citizens and guarding our freedom, both at home and abroad,’” Kaffar read. “‘November 10, 2025 is a day to honor (their) 250th anniversary … and call upon all North Dakotans to recognize and celebrate the proud history, steadfast dedication and enduring spirit … and express our gratitude and deep appreciation to all Marines – past and present – for their sacrifice and exemplary service to our country.”
The guest speaker was highly-decorated U.S. Army soldier Sgt. Maj. Bradley Bergeron, Deputy Commandant with the 164th Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton and the operations sergeant major for the 164th Engineer Battalion in Minot, whose son Max is a student at CMS, while his daughter Madison is a senior at Devils Lake High School and with JROTC and participated as a member of the Color Guard in the presentation of colors.
“I’m proud to call Devils Lake my home,” he said before the assembly. “It is an honor to stand before you today, surrounded by the future leaders of our community. Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the values that unite us as Americans: service, sacrifice, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves. For me, these values have been the foundation of my life since I joined the military, the National Guard in 1993.”
“As a kid, I looked up to my grandpa, my uncles, and my cousins who served in the military and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” Bergeron said. “The National Guard gave me the opportunity to serve my country while staying connected to my community. It’s a unique and special organization that allows us to protect our nation while also making a difference right here at home.”
“Service comes in many forms,” he continued. “Whether you choose to serve in the military, volunteer in your community, or simply lend a helping hand to someone in need, you have the power to make a difference. Veterans Day is a reminder that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they dedicate themselves to serving others. As we honor the sacrifices of our veterans yesterday, today, let us also remember the families who supported them, the communities that welcomed them home, and the values that united us as Americans.”
After a performance from the choir of “We Say Thank You,” English teacher Megan Wasness addressed the assembly. “For the past 10 years, I’ve had the honor of organizing this event,” she said. “Coming from a family with a strong military presence, I grew up understanding the important role of the U.S. military, but it wasn’t until I married a soldier that I truly recognized the sacrifices that veterans and their families make. We have numerous military members, spouses and children at CMS, so today it’s not just a tribute to our veterans, but also to those family members. One of my favorite parts of this program is that each year, eighth-grade students have an opportunity to write an original essay to share the impact that veterans have on their lives.”
Throughout the program Opal Beggs, Anna Bibow, and McKinley Kenton came forward to present their essays to the assembly. Reading from her essay at the lectern, young Opal Beggs spoke of veterans’ willingness to help those who can’t help themselves, including her grandfather, a veteran of the Vietnam War. “I have never seen him turn down helping a neighbor or a family member when asked,” she said. “Many knew the sacrifices they would have to make, but they still chose to enlist and fight for our country.”
Anna also honored family members who were military veterans. “All of our lives have been somehow connected to a veteran,” she said. “They’re the framework of our community and continue to serve their country, even beyond the military service. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all veterans, with a special shout-out to those in my family. We appreciate and value you all very much.”
While McKinley doesn’t know of any veterans in her family, she still feels they are deserving of great respect for their service. “They make the biggest sacrifice anyone can ever make in this lifetime,” she said. “They do it because they care about America and future of our country.”
The event concluded with a slideshow featuring photos of students and faculty at CMS honoring family members formerly or currently serving in the military.
As the assembly ended with guests invited to join the students for lunch in the cafeteria, local resident and military veteran Kermit Paulson was glad to have attended the event. “It was great,” he said. “My first time that I’ve been here, so that was a good time.”
