Students, school leaders and military veterans gathered at New Berlin West High School for a Veterans Day program that featured a city proclamation, musical performances and remarks from local service members.

Mayor Dave Amont presented and signed a Veterans Day proclamation dated November 2025, urging the community—especially students—to honor past and present members of the armed forces and their families. Principal Mark Otto opened the program, welcoming veterans and framing Veterans Day as an opportunity for students to learn about service and sacrifice.

Students from district schools led the Pledge of Allegiance and offered reflections: New Berlin West senior Jackson Sussek spoke about the history and meaning of "The Star-Spangled Banner," and Eli Shar, a senior at New Berlin Eisenhower, explained the origins and ceremonial use of the bugle call "Taps." Musical tributes included performances by the New Berlin West Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Singers and Concert Band under the direction of Stephanie Keller, Sarah Lehi, and Kyle Fletcher, respectively.

Local veterans and service members provided brief overviews of their branches. Staff Sergeant Jacob Rosen, a recruiter with the Wisconsin Army National Guard, described the Guard’s state-level duties and educational benefits available to enlistees. Retired Petty Officer Gordon Kelly summarized the Coast Guard’s lifesaving and maritime roles and its historical origins. Staff Sergeant Michael Harshberger, the local Marine Corps recruiter, discussed the Marines’ mission and esprit de corps. Logistics Specialist Second Class Griffin Jones spoke about the Navy’s sea-based missions and mentioned local students preparing to join the Navy’s construction battalions.

The program included a moment of silence for veterans, a ceremonial toast to the flag by retired Marine Paul Peterson, and logistical notes: students were dismissed to classes at teachers’ direction, and veterans and guests were invited to an honorary brunch in the Performing Arts Center lobby.

The event was organized by the New Berlin School District and acknowledged the New Berlin Hopner Horn Brothers VFW Post 5716 for opening the program. No formal civic actions, votes, or policy decisions were discussed or taken during the program.