(KNSI) – Being the keynote speaker at Sartell-St. Stephen School District’s Veterans Day ceremonies was a special one for Minnesota National Guard Sergeant First Class William Pace.
“This one is definitely pretty important to me. One, because it is the first time I’ve spoke but also, one of my sons is going to be in the audience too. So, that makes it a lot more special to me as well.”
Held at the middle school, he spoke to students, the community, and several former military members. Pace says families of veterans sacrifice just as much as the soldiers themselves and they need to be recognized today.
He shares the advice he gives to members of his unit who miss first steps, first words, and other important childhood milestones.
“What I always tell the younger soldiers, maybe first-time family members that just had a kid is, ‘It’s not about how much time you spend with your family, it is the quality of that time [together].'”
The middle school band, choir, and orchestra each performed a patriotic selection. The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Members of a local veterans organization were the Color Guard.
Three members of the Sartell Middle School Student Council acted as hosts for the ceremonies. Also speaking was an essay contest winner. She read her submission to the Sauk Rapids VFW Post.
Pace was one of two people in attendance given a blanket from Quilts of Valor. The other was a woman who enrolled as a member of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. The ceremonies lasted for just over a half hour each.
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