Great Bend High School continued a tradition of honoring veterans on Nov. 11. Men and women were thanked for their service with a breakfast in the Commons, followed by an all-school assembly.

There was patriotic music from the GBHS Band, A Capella Choir and Orchestra. Student Council President Jillian Reimer led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

GBHS Activities Director Matt Westerhaus explained the history of Veterans Day, which began as Armistice Day at the end of the Great War, later known as World War I.

 It is a time to recall the valor, bravery and sacrifice of those who have served our country, and a time to “pause and reflect how blessed we are. America’s freedoms and liberties remain ours to control. We owe respect and honor to those who served in the Armed Forces.”

This year’s guest speaker was Jamie Hutchinson, RN, a 1992 graduate of Great Bend High School who served as a nurse in the Air National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

“The military taught me many lessons,” said Hutchinson, who is the radiation oncology manager at Central Care Cancer Center in Great Bend. She is married to Barton County Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson and together they own Central Plains Security and Satellite Pros.

While serving in Iraq, she told the students, “I saw things that I hope none of you will have to see.” Yet she has no regrets for her choice to serve. It allowed her to see the world, meet her future husband and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing with zero college debt.

“Every branch of service has its role,” she said. “Every veteran has his or her own reason for serving; for me it was one of the best decisions I ever made.”