“”La Crosse Central High School hosted its annual Memorial Day program this week. Central High School has hosted the annual program since the school’s opening in 1923. This will be the school’s 95th Memorial Day program.
“It’s important to teach our students to remember and reflect on those Americans who have fought to keep our country safe,” said Central High School Associate Principal Jeff Axness. “It’s a day to honor and respect those from the armed forces, the members who have died and those who continue to serve our country still today.”
The ceremony included a flag presentation, songs performed by the Central High School robed choir, and the main address was given by Central High School graduating senior Madeline Stevens. Stevens recently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, the first female student from Central High School to do so, and will start basic training this July.
“Once you earn the title (United States Marine) you are no longer an only child,” said Stevens. “No longer do you have the same number of family members as you thought. You have endless numbers of brothers and sisters standing and fighting right by your side. Giving their lives to those who would do the same. Sacrificing everything to to keep those close to you and the rest of the country safe.
“Today we honor our military from throughout the decades,” added Stevens. “So have your picnic, hang out with your friends, but please, take a moment and think about the men and women in uniform who fought and died to provide that freedom.”
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest running high school Memorial Day observance in the nation,” said Axness.””””[vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”0″ images=”12132,12126,12133,12127,12139,12128,12129,12130,12134,12141,12137,12136,12138,12140,12142,12144,12145,12148,12146,12147,12149″ img_size=”625×417″]””
