Green River Star -

Lincoln Middle School students wearing placards with names of veterans filled two sides of the auditorium, while the center seats were reserved for Veterans and family members.

On Monday, LMS sixth-grade students, the LMS band and choir put on a special Veterans Day program as a way to show local veterans how thankful they are for their service.

During the program, the band played the “Star Spangled Banner,” while the choir sang. Green River City Councilman Ted Barney recited President Donald Trump’s proclamation after sharing a few of his military-service experiences. Barney said he didn’t join the military until he was 26 years old. During his service, he traveled quite a bit and learned many languages, including Russian and Thai. One of his most memorable moments is when he was in Germany when the Berlin Wall came down. His friend had saved a piece of the wall and Barney still has it.

Barney wanted the students to know they will get a quality education in Wyoming and they can use that education to take them anywhere they want to go or remain here if they want.

Third District Court Judge Richard Lavery was the guest speaker and he spoke about how he recalled the Vietnam War. Lavery said it was the first war that came into Americans’ living rooms every day as it was broadcast on the television. It was a time when some of the country supported the war and other parts didn’t.

Lavery seemed to recall Wyoming residents always being patriotic and supportive even when the draft was in effect. Lavery said he had a draft number and he was waiting for his turn to serve, but the troops were being pulled out and there wasn’t a need for the draft anymore. When those soldiers returned from Vietnam they weren’t treated very well. Lavery said the horrific terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, changed that. Americans started looking at veterans with the respect they deserved. He said it’s important for America to provide veterans with what they need when they return.

U.S. Army veteran and LMS teacher, Malcolm Robb, said he joined the military in 1989. Even though he had family members on both sides in the military and knew it would help pay for his schooling, that’s not why he joined.

“I wanted to serve my country,” he said. “I love America.”

He only served a few years, but has the utmost respect for those who have served even longer. Robb said he always knew he wanted to be a teacher and that’s what he pursued after serving.

Wyoming Army National Guardsman and LMS teacher, Karly Eyre, addressed the students to share why she joined the guard.

“I started as a little child wanting to be in the Air Force,” Eyre said.

She said the passion to serve began when she was only three years old. She saw a B-52 Air Force Pilot pass so close over her that she saw the pilot wave at her. Plus, she had a grandfather who served in World War II and one who served in the Korean War.

After her grandfather died, she decided it was time to join the Wyoming National Guard.

She has served in various capacities since joining and is working toward being on a Blackhawk crew.

Eyre, who was born and raised in Green River, wanted the students to know they can follow their passions too.

With the presentations completed, all sixth-grade students sang along to the Armed Forces Medley, which was played by the LMS band. Veterans were asked to stand when their song was played. All who stood received applause.

When the program was over, veterans filed out of the auditorium, but not before shaking each others hands and giving each other friendly pats on the back.