Veterans and their families were recognized in Pella Monday.

The Pella Hy-Vee welcomed 350 service members and their spouses for their annual free breakfast in the morning. A U.S. flag was displayed hanging over the entrance of the store from the Pella Fire Department’s aerial truck. The Pella Christian high school band also played songs to honor veterans from different branches of the military.

Jefferson Intermediate School students held their annual program in front of a full house in the gym. The half-hour long event included elementary students singing patriotic music and reading poems to veterans, and a Quilt of Valor was dedicated to the family of Cal Van Ee, a former commander of American Legion Post 89 in Pella, who passed away unexpectedly in February. Van Ee was remembered for his dedication to youth programs with the Legion, and how often he enjoyed riding on the Tulip Time Parade float.

Audio links:
Jefferson Students Read Patriotic Poems

Opening Song National Anthem Pledge