BEATRICE – Not able to hold an annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Beatrice Middle School students have come up with another way to honor veterans.

Students of History Instructors Mike Policky and Ben Essam are raising money to replace flags at the Veterans Memorial Park, in south Beatrice.  Each class has already raised at least $330, and Policky has said if they can collect $1,500, he’ll let one student from each of three classes, shave his head. 

Policky says a head of hair is a small sacrifice, compared to the sacrifice made by those who have given to their country.

Students are closing in on the goal, having raised $1,150 as of the beginning of this week.  They’ll keep at it, until Thursday.

This Friday, a ceremony will be held at two p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park with six students selected at random…two from each grade level at the middle school.   They’ll present the money to veterans and help with hoisting new flags.

The flags, replaced twice yearly, each cost about $330 and have been funded by donations, gifts or memorials.   There are seven flags representing each branch of the military, with the United States flag in the middle and POW flag just below it.  

The flags are typically replaced at Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  The public is invited to attend the two p.m. Friday presentation, but masks will be required and social distancing encouraged.