CASPER, WY — The Veterans Club at Casper College marked the start of Veterans Day week with a ceremonial raising of the United States and Wyoming flags outside the Walter H. Nolte Gateway Center on the college campus. The event, held early Saturday morning, brought together Marine Corps veterans Sherry Johnson, Kurstin Larsen and Patrick Amelotte, along with Air Force veteran Jerome Grayson, who respectfully lowered and folded the old, faded flags before hoisting fresh ones.
As the new flags rose, a lone trombone player performed a stirring salute, underscoring the solemnity of the moment. For Sherry Johnson, the club’s vice president, the fresh banners symbolize a renewed commitment to honor those who have served and those who continue to serve the nation.
Veterans Day Week Activities
Johnson explained that the week offers multiple opportunities for veterans, students, faculty, and community members to connect and reflect on military service. “Veterans Day is the day that we, as a whole, are supposed to remember all the veterans that have served, and all the veterans that are currently serving,” she said.
Throughout the week, the club has planned a series of events designed to foster fellowship and gratitude:
- Monday‑Tuesday: Distribution of poppy flowers to honor fallen service members.
- Wednesday: A luncheon for students and faculty, providing a chance for dialogue between the campus and the veteran community.
- Thursday: A movie night hosted by Veterans Services, featuring a film selected by veterans for their peers.
- Friday: The sixth annual Veterans Ball, a formal gathering celebrating the contributions of local service members.
These activities reflect the club’s broader mission to build and maintain a strong military community on campus and in the surrounding area. “Collectively, it’s a time when we definitely reach out, especially to the ones we served with,” Johnson added.
Community Impact
The flag‑raising and subsequent events highlight Casper College’s role as a hub for civic engagement and support for those who have defended our freedoms. By involving both current service members and retirees, the Veterans Club reinforces the value of family, faith, and individual liberty—principles that resonate deeply within the Casper community.
Local residents are encouraged to attend the luncheon, movie night, and Veterans Ball, offering a chance to show appreciation and learn more about the sacrifices made by Wyoming’s veterans. The club also invites families to participate, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational connections and shared values.
As the week unfolds, the Veterans Club hopes its programming will inspire ongoing dialogue about service, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between the military and the civilian community.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
