Ramtown Students Honor Veterans

The gymnasium at came to life on Tuesday with the sounds of patriotism as the students held their second annual Veterans Day ceremony. 

Much like last year, the school welcomed a group of area residents who served in each of the branches of military and showed their appreciation for their efforts. All told there were more than 60 veterans scheduled to attend the event. The day included a rousing rendition of the National Anthem as well as a medley of songs from each of the branches. 

As part of the festivities there was a ceremony honoring not only those soldiers who served, but also those who are listed as either prisoners of war or missing in action. Francis Scheideler Sr., a 30-year resident of Ramtown said it was important for him to be a part of the ceremony. 

Having served as both active duty and a reservist, Scheideler said now as a member of the American Legion said he is glad to be able to reach out to the younger generations. "This is my dream," he said. "My dream is to see that the young people of this nation know what a POW and an MIA is," he said. "The younger generation does not realize how many comrades we have that are still left behind."

Even with such a young audience, Scheideler said it is important to get the message out to them. And being able to talk to children in his neighborhood, the former member of the Howell Board of Education said he is proud of what the school is accomplishing. "This school makes me proud. The staff and the principal, everybody in this school ought to be commended for what they do."

One of the people responsible for putting the event together was school principal Albert Bohrer. With this being the second year the school held the event he said he was glad to see how well it brings together the community and the students. "We get so caught up in the academics and sometimes we lose sight of things dealing directly with our community members," he said. 

And when it comes to bringing people together, Bohrer said the veterans are a great way to do that. "I think it's wonderful for those who came last year to come back again and we'll keep having them back," he said. 

The assembly served as the culmination of a concerted effort by the students across multiple subjects and grade levels. "Over the last month or so the students have been learning about heroes and veterans and our nations in various classrooms," Bohrer said. "It's a school function but the entire assembly was made for the veterans."