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BBGH Flag Ceremony honors veterans and current service personnel

Box Butte General Hospital is hosting a week of events honoring U.S. Veterans and current service personnel, all to the run up of Veterans Day November 11. The week began with a Flag Ceremony Monday morning with the Lutheran School Choir opening the observance by singing a patriotic song (top photo). In the middle photo are presenters Lori Mazanec, Interim CEO of BBGH, and Allen Pannell (right) Nebraska Veterans Cemetery Administrator.  Performing the flag ceremony at bottom are Air Force veteran Jim Goodwin, Nebraska Veterans Cemetery Memorial Service Coordinator (left) and Mr. Pannell.

Ms. Mazanec opened the ceremony by saying “Thank you for joining us for this flag ceremony to honor our Active Military and Veterans on this beautiful Monday morning. Veterans Day is an official United State holiday which honors people who have served in our armed forces. These men and women should not just be respected on one single day, November 11, but every day. To veterans in the crowd today, your sacrifices ring proud and clear.” She then read a poem in honor of those who have served.

After performing the flag ceremony, Mr. Pannell gave his keynote speech. “For 40 years Box Butte General Hospital has ben serving our community … Today they take the lead in honoring our Veterans with an entire week of recognition instead of a day. I commend you … A year ago in August we had a ceremony at the State Veterans Cemetery to honor men and women who fought in World War II. Nearly 400 people attend that event … I looked into the eyes of a soldier I know that rode on the first truck that liberated Paris … There are brave men and women throughout our country that deserves recognition for their contributions. Specifically our Korean War and Vietnam War patriots who have never been offered the praise they earned. Our freedom is as valuable to them as it is to the Greatest Generation of World War II. Before the week is over locate a Korean War Veteran and thank them for your freedom. Do not let the sun go down on this week without finding a Vietnam Veteran and saying to them, “Welcome Home, Job Well Done! … This flag represents freedom. Never disrespect it and never let anyone around you forget what it symbolizes. Stand tall for that flag ...”

The ceremony ended with a prayer recited by Ms. Mazanec. Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.