GALLERY: EMS presents ‘Freedom is Not Free’ in honor of veterans

Posted 11/19/25

Ellsworth Middle School presented "Freedom Is Not Free" honoring veterans on Nov. 11 to a packed house.

Here is a copy of the program:

"Patriotic Bits and Pierces," …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

To continue reading, you will need to either log in, using the login form, below, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account and connect your subscription to it by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.

GALLERY: EMS presents ‘Freedom is Not Free’ in honor of veterans

Ellsworth Middle School Principal Olin Morrison opens the Veterans Day program on Tuesday, Nov. 11, a cherished tradition at EMS.

Ellsworth Middle School Principal Olin Morrison opens the Veterans Day program on Tuesday, Nov. 11, a cherished tradition at EMS.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Commander Gregory J. Cady of Red Wing, Minn., was the EMS Veterans Day program featured speaker. Cady served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Navy Reserve for a total of 30 years. He teaches sociology and criminal justice at Minnesota State College Southeast and is the president of the Hiawatha Family Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Commander Gregory J. Cady of Red Wing, Minn., was the EMS Veterans Day program featured speaker. Cady served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Navy Reserve for a total of 30 years. He teaches sociology and criminal justice at Minnesota State College Southeast and is the president of the Hiawatha Family Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Sixth graders Kaylyn Decker and Luis Tzompaxtle performed a flag folding ceremony while Ellis Giedd and Kaitlin Girdeen served as readers.

Sixth graders Kaylyn Decker and Luis Tzompaxtle performed a flag folding ceremony while Ellis Giedd and Kaitlin Girdeen served as readers.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Sixth grader Luis Tzompaxtle folds the U.S. flag as Commander Gregory J. Cady, Mike Nelson and Kevin Converse look on.

Sixth grader Luis Tzompaxtle folds the U.S. flag as Commander Gregory J. Cady, Mike Nelson and Kevin Converse look on.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Seventh grader Alice Barrett introduced the seventh-grade readings during the EMS Veterans Day program.

Seventh grader Alice Barrett introduced the seventh-grade readings during the EMS Veterans Day program.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Seventh grader Toni Christiansen read her original essay on the meaning of Veterans Day as part of the EMS program Nov. 11.

Seventh grader Toni Christiansen read her original essay on the meaning of Veterans Day as part of the EMS program Nov. 11.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Eighth graders Reese Franklin (left) and Carolina Young read “The History of Veterans Day” and “Welcome Home.”

Eighth graders Reese Franklin (left) and Carolina Young read “The History of Veterans Day” and “Welcome Home.”

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Veteran Merlin Blaisdell stands as the eighth-grade choir invites all Army veterans to stand up during “A Tribute to the Armed Services.”

Veteran Merlin Blaisdell stands as the eighth-grade choir invites all Army veterans to stand up during “A Tribute to the Armed Services.”

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Veterans were invited to stand during “A Tribute to the Armed Services” when their branch was called.

Veterans were invited to stand during “A Tribute to the Armed Services” when their branch was called.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Eighth grade choir members sing “A Tribute to the Armed Services” during the Navy portion of the popular song.

Eighth grade choir members sing “A Tribute to the Armed Services” during the Navy portion of the popular song.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Mike Nelson (left) of Kinne Engelhart American Legion Post 204 read the names of deceased Pierce County veterans who served in Beirut and other conflicts.

Mike Nelson (left) of Kinne Engelhart American Legion Post 204 read the names of deceased Pierce County veterans who served in Beirut and other conflicts.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Kevin Converse of Bay City American Legion Post 357 read the names of deceased Pierce County veterans who served in Beirut and other conflicts.

Kevin Converse of Bay City American Legion Post 357 read the names of deceased Pierce County veterans who served in Beirut and other conflicts.

Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal

Posted Wednesday, November 19, 2025 10:26 am

Ellsworth Middle School presented "Freedom Is Not Free" honoring veterans on Nov. 11 to a packed house.

Here is a copy of the program:

"Patriotic Bits and Pierces," performed by Eight Grade Concert Band.

Presentation of Colors: Bay City and Ellsworth Americal Legion Posts and Auxiliaries and Pierce County 40 et 8.

"The Star Spangled Banner," performed by Eight Grade Concert Band, Choir and Audience.

Pledge of Allegiance

Prayer: Kevin Converse, Bay City American Legion Post 357

Opening Ceremonies: Principal Olin Morrison

Guest Address: Commander Gregory J. Cady

Flag Folding Ceremony: Kaylyn Decker, Luis Tzompaxtle, Ellis Giedd, Kaitlin Girdeen (sixth graders)

Introduction of Readings: Alice Barrett (seventh grade)

Original Essays: Elizabeth Larson, Belle Kuske, Toni Christiansen (seventh graders)

"The History of Veterans Day," Reese Franklin (eighth grade)

"Welcome Home," by Kelly Roper, Carolina Young (eighth grade)

"A Tribute to the Armed Services," Eighth Grade Choir

Reading of name of Pierce County deceased veterans who served in Beirut and other conflicts of that time: Mike Nelson

POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony, Kevin Converse

Gun Salute, Bay City American Legion Post 357

Taps: Walker Loberg (eighth grade)

"God Bless America," Eighth Grade Concert Band and Choir

Ushers: Evie Deringer, Ashton Langer, Markus Lorentz, Talon Wood