Veteran's Day 2009 will be observed with four programs on Nov. 11 in the area.

Motley Elementary and Motley Staples Middle School will be first with a program at 9:30 a.m. at the middle school gym. Staples Elementary School will have a program in their gym at 1:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Area School's program is at 2 p.m. Staples Motley High School's program will begin at 2:20 p.m. in the high school's big gym.

Motley Elementary and Motley Staples

Middle School

The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will feature:

o A slide presentation by Alicia Czech, given on behalf of her husband, John Czech, who has served 22 months in Iraq.

John, from Little Falls, is part of the National Guard out of Camp Ripley, the only group whose service has been extended for many years. The slide presentation is entitled, "My Experience."

o Commander Ronald Hanson, American Legion Tri-County Post #124, will present, "What the Color Guard Represents."

o Motley Elementary

students will present, "A Veteran's Day Celebration," a short skit which highlights nine different war veterans.

o Also on the agenda are recitations by Motley Staples Middle School students with their winning essays.

Students are encouraged to wear red, white and blue for this event.

For more information about the program, contact Bonnie Madson at 218-352- 6315.

Staples Elementary

School

The students and staff invite area veterans to a program which will honor them at 1:30 p.m. Veterans are asked to please arrive a few minutes early for sign in.

Any veteran who feels comfortable visiting a classroom to share experiences with the students and answer questions is asked to let the school know.

Anyone who has a uni- form, or parts of a uniform, and who would be willing to lend it for display during the program, please bring the items to the school prior to noon on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The items will be returned immediately following the program.

For more information contact the school at 218- 894-2433 or Julie Mertens at jmertens@isd2170.k12. mn.us.

Sacred Heart

Area School

The program will begin at 2 p.m. and will feature singing, plays, essays and poems by the students.

Another feature will be a letter from Mike Trollope who is serving his second voluntary tour in Iraq. He is a relative of Sheila Jenniges and has sent some photos of school children in Baghdad.

This year's program is being organized by the prekindergarten teach Heather Rinke. Her brother is in the Marines and recently returned from duty in Iraq.

Everyone is encouraged to attend and personally invite someone who has served or is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Anyone with questions can call Rinke at 218-894- 2077.

Staples Motley

High School

The program will begin at 2:20 p.m. with the presentation of the colors by the VFW Post 1910.

The national anthem will be played by the high school band led by Jeff Iverson. Steve Hoemberg will direct a choir which will include veterans.

Connie Hoffert will lead the Pledge of Allegiance followed by remarks by Hoemberg.

A musical selection entitled "Land of Liberty" will be played by the orchestra led by John Koopman.

Two students will read essays that have been selected by the English department followed by teacher statements by Gloria Palmer and Kerry Lindgren.

Hap Corbett is one of two or three veterans who have been invited to speak.

A moment of silence will be followed by Ryan Detloff playing "Taps."

The public is invited to join the veterans, staff and students for refreshments in the cafeteria following the program.

Appreciation Brunch

The Staples Host Lions and T Maxwell's Restaurant have arranged a brunch from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.

Veteran's will eat free. No reservations are necessary. Tickets will be available at the door.

A brief program is planned for 12:30 p.m.