Veterans Day Archives - (DAV) Disabled American Veterans of Idaho

Veteran’s Day Celebration in Midvale, Idaho

Originally Posted: November 17, 2023|Midvale, Veteran’s Day

On Thursday November 9 th in the flag-waiving community of Midvale, Idaho, citizens of numerous surrounding towns gathered to celebrate Veterans Day at one of the most patriotic annual programs this side of the Sawtooth Mountains. The town folk have friendly faces and generational patriotism. They love their children and are eager to honor any veteran that may have the

good fortune to drive into their town.

The celebration began with a rat-a-tat-tat drumbeat, which marched a platoon of children into a gym plastered with red, white, and blue. Smiles beamed on the faces of each proud little soldier as they anticipated the forthcoming program, which has become an historic

mainstay and tradition of the Midvale community. Many of the children were dressed in the uniforms of their mother, father, or grandfather and they held their heads high, walking tall with the discipline of a genuine soldier. They sang songs such as, “God Bless America,” “Yankee Doodle,” and “Thank a Vet,” which stirred the hearts of the veterans seated before them.

Veterans are the folks who have answered the call to fight and defend the Constitution of these great United States from all enemies foreign and domestic. They have dedicated their youth to the cause of freedom for all Americans. Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Timothy Slemp of Meridian, ID, addressed today’s changing culture, the divergent political opinions, and the current fiscal calamity that will affect future generations; many in the audience nodded agreement that change will only come when patriotic folks get involved to affect a change in the direction this country is heading. “Use your hands and feet and voice and vote to support our veterans,” Lt. Col. (Ret) Slemp exhorted the audience.

What is it about this day that such an honor be poured out by the youngest generation in this town? The guest speaker, Lt. Col. (Ret) Slemp addressed this question when he quoted President John F. Kennedy’s famous words in his closing remarks, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

The patriotism and gratitude displayed throughout the Midvale Veterans Day Program on this special day is a testament to the character of Midvale, even down to the youngest of its citizens. Most would agree that the tradition of honoring and respecting our Veterans is both noble and invaluable. The Nation may simply not exist as we know had it not been for their service and sacrifice.

What Did You Do on Veteran’s Day?

Original Posting Date: November 15, 2023

What did you do on Veteran’s Day? On Saturday November 11 th , 2023 the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets from Borah High School, led by Senior Army Instructor Major (Retired) Hugo Manzo and First Sergeant (Retired) Bobby Caron, were at the Boise Christian Retirement Center honoring their veteran citizens.

The morning started off with a small ceremony recognizing five of the resident veterans; then this rowdy group of 74 go-getters began raking leaves – 6 acres of leaves, to be exact. For over 20 years Borah High School’s JROTC has been raking leaves for this Boise community; suffice it to say, it is now a long-standing tradition that makes everyone involved supremely happy.

Why does a high school JROTC rake leaves for veterans? It comes down to leadership and selfless service. JROTC programs across the country aim to instill Army values into the young men and women enrolled in the program. Raking leaves for those who’ve served our country is a natural fit that encourages a valuable ethic of service in these cadets.

Junior ROTC programs fill a unique role in schools across the nation. Not every JROTC cadet will matriculate out of high school and into uniform; however, the JROTC program seeks to transform young students into civically engaged citizens able to positively contribute to society.

Programs are typically comprised of students from all walks of life with varying backgrounds and family situations. The JROTC program often succeeds in providing purpose, direction, values, and support that many students crave. It is a worthy cause and an outstanding investment in people and their communities. Many of the cadets emerge from the program strengthened with renewed confidence to serve elsewhere, some even become leaders in the

US military.

When asked, “Why did you join the JROTC program?” a few responses were unexpected including, “I feel a sense of belonging to the JROTC program. I can be me.” “I have a sense of brotherhood with practically every single cadet in the program. It’s the family I wish I had at home.” “I know this program is making a difference in my life choices and my future decisions.”

“I love that the cadre really care about us and teaches us what nobody else will.” Astounded at such mature and thoughtful answers, I pondered the merits of the JROTC program.

Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage – these are the values of the United States

Army and the ones that many of the cadets leaned into with their responses. These are also the same values timelessly defended by

our veterans.

Young cadets, eager to make a change in their current lives and learn the ways of the military brotherhood, really did make a

difference on this special day. Each cadet is learning many of the Army Values through the JROTC program and welcome the positive changes that they feel are needed to become a great citizen.

Many cadets may eventually go on to earn the “Veteran” title in service to the Nation. And, because of the Borah High School JROTC program, these high school students may just have a clearer goal and purpose for their lives.

Thank you, Veterans, for what you have done for your country; and thank you Borah High School JROTC Cadre for making difference in the lives of these young men and women, showing them the value of selfless service and the necessity of honoring our veterans.