Macks Creek R-V continued their annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 11, with a breakfast for local veterans and an all-school assembly. Macks Creek chapters of FBLA, FFA, NHS, and Student Council helped to serve and greet each veteran. This year, the district was honored to host 38 area veterans. High School Principal, Mr. Jason Trusty served as Master of Ceremonies and shared opening remarks thanking the Veterans for their service and attendance.
The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senior Kamora Merchant and signed by the Macks Creek Preschool. An instrumental trio of Senior Jade Stasiak (alto saxophone) and Juniors Kaylee Hicks (trumpet) and Madison Moos (clarinet) played the “Star-Spangled Banner”.
Macks Creek Elementary Counselor and current MAJ Tanner Glodt (U.S. Army Reserves) delivered the ceremonial address to faculty, staff, students, and community members. MAJ Glodt started with the history of Veterans Day, from its beginnings as Armistice Day in 1919 under President Wilson to its formal naming of Veterans Day under President Eisenhower. He touched on why veterans serve, speaking of the sacrifices that they and their families have to ensure that their loved ones are kept safe. MAJ Glodt used a quote from LTC James ‘Jimmy’ Doolittle: “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer”, emphasizing that all our veterans started as volunteers with the want to protect those they loved.
Macks Creek students and music department again took part in this year’s program. Along with the preschool signing the Pledge of Allegiance and band members playing the national anthem, the high school choir and fourth graders performed, “Land That We Love”. The high school choir also sang, “A Tribute to Armed Services” a medley of each branch's service songs. It was during this time that veterans in attendance were invited to stand as theirs was sung.
The middle school English class under the direction of Ms. Kelly then provided an explanation and demonstration of the importance and symbolism of properly folding the United States flag. Students read what each of the 13 folds means while classmates folded the flag. Junior Israel Husong presented the ‘The Missing Man’ (or ‘Fallen Comrade Table’), set with a single seat. Each of the 10 items that are placed on and near the table symbolize the hope that those missing will return one day. The playing of “Taps”, to remember the service men and women who have passed away in both combat and at home, was then played with a moment of silence.
The program concluded with a poem, “The Call to Duty”, that was read by Sophomore Stella Lappat. The Macks Creek R-V School District would like to extend our thanks to all Veterans for their service. We are grateful for all they do, not only on Veterans Day, but every day we enjoy the freedoms their service provides!
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