GILPIN COUNTY - Gilpin County School held their annual Veterans Day Program on November 11, 2024, honoring all who have served in the military. Local veterans who attended had a prominent seat at the celebration. 

The ceremony started with the Presentation of the Colors by Girl Scout Troop 68188, the POW/MIA flag placed by veteran Jacob Upchurch, the Girl Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Gilpin High School Choir and Band leading the National Anthem. 

Principal Sara Reich then welcomed all present, and introduced the program. Superintendent Dr. David MacKenzie reminded everyone as to why we have Veterans Day. We were reminded about the November 11, 1918 Armistice, effectively ending the “war to end all wars,” now known as World War I. The day honored veterans of that war. After World War II, in 1954, The Federal government changed the designation of the holiday to Veterans Day, to honor all American veterans. 

Gilpin High School student Vincent Schoell was the Master of Ceremonies. Veterans Upchurch and Joe Davis presented a flag to MacKenzie and recognized three teachers from Gilpin School. The Gilpin High School Band played a few patriotic tunes and then music teacher Ms. Ebers played “Taps,” reminding us all of the sacrifices our veterans have made over the years.

Keynote speakers this year were Cyndy and Joe Davis. They talked about their years in the military and their deployments. They encouraged the young people in the audience to find the best career for them whether or not it is in the military. 

The ceremony concluded with more music from the band, and then the 3rd through 5th graders joined the high school choir in “We are the World.” The Girl Scouts then Retired the Colors. 

This Veterans Day, we celebrated, thanked, honored, and remembered all veterans. We honor veterans not just on Veterans Day, but always.