Veterans Day Program 2026
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Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #19The 14th Annual Heartland Community Schools Veterans Day Program was held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
National Honor Society students facilitated the program.
A welcome was given by Emma Ott followed by the singing of the national anthem by the high school choir.
Elementary essay winners then presented to the audience.
- Ella Ens (3rd place)
- Hazel Schultz (2nd place)
- Tamsyn Splinter (1st place)
Following the elementary essays, the third and fourth graders performed the song, "On Veterans Day."
Ashlyn Friesen and Amanda Goertzen announced the elementary coloring contest winners from each grade level.
The audience then had the opportunity to hear from Mckinley Hiebner, the secondary essay winner.
To recognize the veterans in attendance, Tara Buzek had each veteran stand, and their service record was read.
Every year, the FFA creates and distributes a number of metal "Veteran" yard signs. Receiving theirs this year was: Lyle Friesen, Doug Tessman, Art Villamure, David Rasmussen, and Kim Shepherd.
Kate Haidle and Ashlyn Friesen led the audience in singing, "God Bless America."
This year's guest speaker was area resident Dan Kinney, a Marine who now works for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Dan emphasized how Veterans are ordinary people who made an extraordinary choice. They chose to give their life in the most selfless way--by guarding the life of another human being.
He encouraged students to recognize that the ordinary pieces of the days they enjoy are not an accident. They are able to build a life full of possibilities due to an expensive gift they've been given.
Besides shaking the hand of a Veteran, he encouraged students to live out their gratitude by cultivating their own communities with positivity, to show up for their neighbors, and to display selflessness to those around them.
Following a closing by Maddie Janzen and the playing of "Taps," refreshments were served to the veterans and their families.
Thank you, veterans!
Thank also to the Heartland National Honor Society and Mrs. Ruhl for facilitating the program. We appreciate Henderson State Bank sponsoring the essay contest by providing monetary prizes for the students.
You can rewatch the 2026 program using these links:
Part 1 (Choirs, student essays, coloring contest winners, and Veterans in attendance)
Part 2 (Sign presentations and speaker)