Veteran's Day Ceremony at St. Leonard Catholic Church

Submitted by David Czysz on Tue, 12/13/2022 - 09:38
Flag Folding Ceremony and meaning of the folds at St. Leonard Church

Veterans Day Ceremony by the Muskego American Legion Post 356 for the St. Leonard school and Veterans

November 17, 2022

     The ceremony was held in the St. Leonard Church starting a 8:00 a.m.  The whole school attended plus some family veterans and a few other local veterans.  Seven Muskego Legion members participated with the Commander, Randy Reinke, presiding. 

Prior to the ceremony, the fourth-grade children welcomed all guest veterans and any family members.  They also presented them with a home make card for veterans’ day.

Opening the ceremony were three Legion members who performed the presenting and posting the colors

There was an opening song, National Anthem by Bryan, Stadler director of St. Leonard’s choir followed by an opening prayer by Father Dan, Pastor of St. Leonard’s.

Next was a demonstration of flag folding along with the “Stars and Stripes Folding Ceremony” by the Commander, explanting the meaning of each fold, while Post 356 members performed the folding. 

After the flag folding, Commander Reinke read a Reflection on Veterans and Veteran’s Day, starting with:

       “This morning we are commemorating the service of veterans of all wars. We remember how men and women set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nation’s cause, defending the freedom of mankind and preserving our precious American heritage.” 

  “The service of America’s veterans never truly ends. Even when they hang up their military uniforms for the last time. We continue our endeavors on behalf of an honorable world peace with a feeling of profound gratitude to God, and to the men and women who gave their lives as their part of this noblest of causes.”

After the Reflection, veterans that were present, were asked to stand and were recognized for their service.  Father Dan also performed a blessing over the veterans.  Bryan Stadler then sang “God Bless America” and the Colors were retired by the Muskego Legion Color Guard.

The final part of the ceremony was outside.  All the children and anyone present watched the Muskego American Legion rifle team do a rifle salute and the bugler play Taps for fallen veterans.