Memorial Day observed for the 100th time by La Crosse Central

The Memorial Day holiday in America started more than 150 years ago, and one La Crosse school has recognized the holiday with a yearly ceremony for a full century.    

La Crosse Central observed a milestone Friday morning with its 100th Memorial Day program, a tradition begun in 1923. It’s thought to be the longest-running school ceremony for Memorial Day in the U.S. 

Airman First Class Quartell Roberson, a staffer for the La Crosse School District, spoke about service members during the service.

“Americans who join the military are the greatest risk-takers,” Roberson told the audience. “They are selfless individuals, who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect and defend the Constitution.”

A second speaker at the ceremony was Central High supervisor of career education Britta Rotering. She’s a retired Army sergeant who joined the service at 17, and was active in the Iraq war.

Rotering urged students to “live a life of your dreams” that would make veterans proud to serve their country. “Take chances, work hard, admit your mistakes. Love fiercely, be loyal, and give yourself grace to make mistakes.”

Many area veterans joined Central students for the ceremony. The program was held outdoors with an audience again, after two years of on-line ceremonies because of the pandemic.