THANKING VETERANS

Thompson Falls High School welcomed more than two dozen veterans and their family members on Monday for a special luncheon and Veterans Day ceremony.

Mike Bruse, a veteran of the U.S. Marines and a former teacher at Thompson Falls, served as emcee for the event, welcoming the veterans and thanking them, as well as the students, school and kitchen staff. The kitchen staff served baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit cocktail, rolls and a special apple crisp dessert.

As the veterans ate their lunch, students sat with them, thanked them for their service and asked them questions. A video created by elementary students was played, and then the veterans stood and introduced themselves and told about their service. Students hugged their family members as they joined the veterans for lunch. Sarah Bailey, an Air Force veteran, told the students that she was part of the first mission to Romania before the country joined NATO. "It was the best opportunity I've ever had," she stated. Her husband Ray was in the Army and also attended the luncheon.

Bob Williams served in the Air Force and told the students how he toured 90 countries. Allen Renard, a Vietnam-era veteran, thanked the family members who supported the veterans while they were overseas. Bruse concurred. "When we left to do what we did, it was nice to know things were taken care of at home," he said as he thanked dependents and family members.

The Thompson Falls High School choir, under the direction of Brittany Nichols, sang "We Honor You," followed by the high school band playing a medley of the armed forces songs, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force.

The assembly and luncheon was held in the schools new multi-use building, which was decorated with posters and placemats made by students.