Macks Creek R-V continued its 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 25 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 8th Grader Kallie Lynn. An instrumental trio of Seniors, Kaylee Hicks (trumpet), Madison Moos (clarinet), and Israel Husong (drums), played the “Star-Spangled Banner”.
SSG Kalei Hazelwood, a local Missouri Army National Guard recruiter, shared her personal military journey and what service has meant to her. After joining the Illinois Army National Guard in 2019 as a 68W Combat Medic, she continued her service in California, where she worked with the Counterdrug Task Force, helping educate communities about the dangers of drugs and the importance of making positive choices. Those experiences inspired her to transition into recruiting, where she now helps others recognize their potential, build confidence, and discover new opportunities. Throughout her message, she reminded students that Veterans Day is about honoring the men and women who have chosen to put service before self and recognizing the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms. She encouraged students to take chances, step outside their comfort zones, lead by example, and never take their opportunities or freedoms for granted. Most importantly, she reminded everyone that gratitude and respect for our veterans should extend beyond just one day a year.
Macks Creek students and the music department again took part in this year’s program. Along with band members playing the national anthem, the high school choir 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 their anthems were sung. The choir also helped bring an end to the ceremony by singing “God Bless America”, inviting the audience to join.
The middle school English class, under the direction of Ms. Kelly, held a writing contest about patriotism. Eighth grader Korynn Whitworth was selected to read her writing during the ceremony. The 7th grade MS class 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 as they did it with each speaker. Senior Israel Husong then presented the ‘The Missing Man’ (or ‘Fallen Comrade Table’), with a single seat. Each of the 10 items that are placed on and near the table symbolizes the hope that those missing will return one day. The playing of “Taps”, to remember the service members 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”, was read by Junior 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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