Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Stephen Kravitsky, Former Commander Of 90th Missile Wing, Addresses Audience
New playground attractions have arrived at City Park in Kimball, and more are expected in the spring. The City Council approved these improvements. The forecast looks decent these next few days for kids to try it all out with highs in the 60s or 50s and sunny or partly sunny skies.
Claiming not to be an emotional guy, Air Force Col. Stephen M. Kravitsky, the keynote speaker at the Veterans Day program in Kimball, said he got a little emotional when a group of high school students sang the national anthem and the elementary students sang the "Armed Forces Salute" on Monday, Nov. 11.
The anthem was beautifully sung by Rachel Berger, Skyla Stierwalt, Grace Moore, Renee Murdoch, Parker Fredrick and Connor Markum. Their voices resonated with pride and respect.
The "Armed Forces Salute" was performed with great respect and enthusiasm by the Mary Lynch fourth, fifth and sixth graders, showcasing their talent and dedication. Their performance was a testament to the nation's bright future.
The singing was topped off by an outstanding rendition of "God Bless America," sung by music teacher Jacob Hoffman and accompanied by Kristi Hiles-Smith.
Comments by speaker Kravitsky followed brief comments by Mayor John Morrison. Kravitsky works for Northrup Grumman but spent 32 years in the nuclear missile area field serving as commander of the 90th Missile Wing at Fort Warren Air Force Base. In addition, he was a missile squadron commander, inspector and ICBM maintenance officer.
Kravitsky's speech was a heartfelt tribute to veterans, a reminder to always honor and remember their service and sacrifice. He shared his family's deep connection to the military, stretching back to the Civil War, echoing the shared history and respect that Americans have for their veterans.
Soldiers take an oath to remain loyal to the U.S. Constitution, the supreme law of the land. Their loyalty is not to a president or a king.
Veterans have given up their personal freedom and made sacrifices; they are ordinary citizens making extraordinary sacrifices and decisions. Those serving have signed a blank check promising to defend or even die for their country.
In his final remarks, Kravitsky stressed the difficulty of transitioning to military life and the hard transition back into society.
The Veterans Day program concluded with the reading of veterans past and present and a video of the playing of "Taps" at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery.
