School Honors Veterans With Annual Program

West Side Middle School in Elkhart held its annual Veterans Day program on Wednesday, with a color guard, music and remarks from local leaders.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Military Jobs

Two American flags stand beside a wooden podium on a school stage with empty folding chairs in the background, set for a Veterans Day program. — West Side Middle School in Elkhart, Indiana, held its annual Veterans Day program on Wednesday, featuring a color guard, music, and remarks from Mayor Rod Roberson. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

West Side Middle School held its annual Veterans Day program in Elkhart, Indiana, on Wednesday. The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by the Elkhart High School Air Force ROTC Honor Guard.

Why it matters

The program is held to honor veterans in the community. It also helps students connect classroom learning to real-life experiences.

No hard figures were reported for this event. The extraction contains no attendance counts, budgets or measurable outcomes.

The players

Rod Roberson

Rod Roberson is the mayor of Elkhart, Indiana, and offered remarks at the school's Veterans Day program.

Willie Brown

Willie Brown is a First Sergeant who delivered the keynote speech at the event.

The details

The ceremony included musical performances, remarks from Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson, and a keynote speech by First Sergeant Willie Brown. Veteran Bill VanPatten, who first served in the Army National Guard as a company cook before transferring to the regular Navy, was among those recognized.

Wednesday, November 11, 2026: West Side Middle School holds its Veterans Day program.

Military Jobs Context

Schools observing Veterans Day on November 11 follows a national tradition dating to 1954, when the holiday was established to honor those who served in the armed forces. Programs like this one connect local military service to the careers and experiences students may consider later.

Students at West Side Middle School gain direct exposure to veterans and their service histories through the program. Families in Elkhart can attend similar community ceremonies to learn about military career paths firsthand.

The takeaway

Hearing firsthand accounts from veterans can show students how military service branches and career paths differ. Local schools and community groups offer a practical starting point for exploring those options.