NEVC, Bronaugh honor veterans

Northeast Vernon County High School Principal Charles Naas accepts a flag presented to the school by Missouri State Representative and United States Marine Corps veteran Barney J. Fisher, during an event honoring veterans conducted Wednesday. -- Neoma Foreman/Special to the Daily Mail

The honor guard of the Whiteman Air Force Base presented the flag at the ceremony honoring veterans at the NEVC high school campus in Walker on Veteran's Day Wednesday.

The Northeast Vernon County high school choir sang "The Star -Spangled Banner" and Clayton Gray led in the "Pledge of Allegiance" before State Representative Barney Fisher said a few words to the crowd. Fisher is the State Representative from the 125th District where he serves constituents in Bates and Vernon Counties. Fisher is retired from the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a pilot and earned the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Fisher spoke of the national anthem and said, "Listening to the Star-Spangled Banner, we get so used to it that we don't pay attention to the words. It is a question-Oh say can you see-repeated." Fisher went on to say that Francis Scott Key felt compelled to describe what he saw, but he couldn't. The rockets gave off light, but he was still looking and worried that the flag was still there.

Elementary students at Bronaugh sing a choreographed version of "America the Beautiful," during an assembly honoring local veterans at the school on Wednesday. Students also performed "It's a Grand Old Flag," and "The Star-Spangled Banner." High school students sang a patriotic medley; and several veterans were recognized, each having the opportunity to speak about their service for a brief moment. --Steve Moyer/Daily Mail

Fisher asked, "What do you see when you see the flag?"

He named people that he knew who had died serving for the freedom of the United States and said he saw their faces when he sees the flag. Fisher said that he was worried that young people were not going to get to see the America that he saw when he was young. He issued the students a challenge.

"When you see the flag--decide what you see. Do you see it representing an arrogant country or a land of opportunity? If you can't read, or aren't doing your homework the best you can, do something about it. Pick up the challenge. Our veterans have provided liberty for you; the rest is up to you."

Veterans were recognized and stood when their theme song was played. The honor guard demonstrated the folding of the flag for a veteran's funeral while Kendal Ogburn, NEVC Elementary Principal, told what each fold of the flag represented. After the honor guard retired the colors, the veterans and their families were invited to a reception in their honor.