Veterans Day observance to be held early in Port

Veterans Day will come early to Port Washington, where the official commemoration will occur on Friday, Nov. 9.

That’s because Veterans Day is Sunday, Nov. 11, but students won’t be in classes that day at Port Washington High School, where the program is held.

Four veterans will be inducted to the Wall of Honor — Air Force veteran Charlie Watry, nominated by the Landt-Thiel American Legion Post 470 in Saukville; Nick Jacque of the Army Air Corps and Army veteran Carl Federspiel, nominated by the Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post 82 in Port Washington, and Navy veteran Jim Russell, nominated by the Ozaukee County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5373.

Those honored must have attended Port High or worked for the school, been honorably discharged from military service and made a significant contribution to the U.S., according to Jim Schmit, commander of the Van Ells-Schanen Legion Post.

The Veterans Day observance will begin at 10:15 a.m. with the presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance led by Principal Eric Burke and the national anthem by the school band.

Burke and a member of the Student Council will address the assembly, and Nick Blank will introduce the honorees and speaker Jim Wallace, the Legion’s national vice commander.

The four inductees or their representatives will address the students before a moment of reflection and rifle salute about 11 a.m. 

Taps will be played by a band member and the band will play during the ceremony. 

A lunch at the Port Legion Hall on Lake Street will follow the program.