In Cedaredge on Tuesday, May 1, it was a day for students at Cedaredge Middle School to learn about and to recognize the contributions of people who serve their community and their country. They learned from men who have been there: members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9221 and Ladies Auxiliary.

Officers of the VFW Post took the lead in the observance with a history lesson of patriotic remembrance. They were assisted by the school staff who recognized those in the student body and community who have set examples of service and loyalty to their school.

Following a posting of the colors by members of the CMS Color Guard and veterans, VFW post junior vice-commander Nelson Cederberg gave an address reviewing seven of the eight days of patriotic observance that everyone should remember because of the loyalty, courage, and sacrifice they commemorate: Veterans Day, Nov. 11; Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7; Memorial Day, last Monday in May; Independence Day, July 4; Patriot Day, Sept. 11; POW/MIA Day, third Friday in September; and, Flag Day, June 14.

The eighth day in the patriotic calendar, Loyalty Day, is celebrated on May 1 each year. It serves as a freedom- and liberty-asserting counterweight to celebrations by the international Communist party which occur on the same day, explained Deon Strain, post commander. While the threat of Soviet Communism has faded since end of the Cold War, Strain said that Loyalty Day is relevant and important because "it is a time to recognize the sacrifice" of people who serve others in the cause of freedom.

School principal Paul Rodriguez commenced the recognition portion of the observance saying, "We recognize a few of the many who have contributed to our school."

Police Chief Robert Yant received a community service recognition.

VFW Post member Bill Hendrix recognized members of the CMS Color guard unit sponsored by Chere Wasser: Jade Gummo, Morgan Miller, Holly Jenkins, Mikayla Underwood, Andi Todd, Jessica Craig and Hannah Hatheway.

Also recognized were members serving on the Hunsicker Elementary Color Guard unit sponsored by Sandy Wilson: Dalia Alejandre, Camie Baldozier, Mickenzie Balistreri, Victoria Creech, Courtney Freeman, Hannah Gardner, Taylor Hancock, Kylee Hanson, Garth Knutson, Max Moore, Larissa Prisbrey, Shelby Stone, Emily Tullis, Michelle Varanai and Whitney Wooley.

Individuals from the community who donate hours of their own time to expand and enrich students' experience at CMS in adminsitration, academics, and athletics were also recognized. They are Angel Ryan, Kent Salyer, Christina Ribbens, Heather McGovern, Art Trevena, Gary Armour and Michael Bates.

Special thanks were extended to Chere Wasser and to Michael Bowles, CMS band director.

The band played selections from "American Spirit Overture."

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