By CALEB H.
SWALLOWS
Staff Writer
& Photographer
World War II veterans were among the more than 30 veterans honored at the Puxico School's 15th annual Veterans' Day Assembly.
The Puxico Schools observed the event Nov. 10, in the gymnasium. All of the students and many members of the community gathered to support those who are in the military and those who have served. The assembly was constructed by the Puxico High School Student Council.
Before the assembly, the FCCLA prepared and served a lunch to the veterans. This is the first time the lunch has been provided and will be continued as a tradition.
The assembly started with a video called, "The 11th Hour" explaining how Veterans' Day was created and was opened by Student Council member Jennifer Hanners. The presentation of the colors and Pledge of Allegiance was lead by the Boy Scouts of America Pack #4370. The Star Spangled Banner was played by the Puxico Show Band.
Student Council member Cole Yoebstl continued the assembly by reading a poem entitled, "Thank You Veterans" by Collen Davington and invited Mayor Rick McLean and Jennifer Hanners to the front to recognize the Patriot's Pin and Voice of Democracy winners.
First grade teacher Richelle McGill announced the elementary coloring contest winners.
Coloring contest winners are:
Kindergarten: First, Jaylen Parsley; second, Jessa Armstrong; and third, Zoey Franklin.
First Grade: First, Anabelle Allen; second, Abigail Manis; and third, Elizabeth Cookson.
Second Grade: First, Lily Foster; second, Kinsley Foster; and third, Emma Chasteen.
Third Grade: First, Addison Hancock; second, Maggie Reinert; and third, Grant McMillan.
Fourth Grade: First, MaLeah Bishop; second, Chloe Mea Richman; and third, Hunter Holt.
Fifth Grade: First, Lacie Maclin; second, Laney Porter; and third, Jaylen Miller.
Patroit's Pen winner Tanner Melton read his essay, "The America I Believe In".
"Like many young people today, throughout my life I have heard stories of family members who served our country in our nation's armed forces. I have looked through photo albums to see pictures of my grandfather and great-grandfather in uniform, and looked up on our family's dining room shelf to see the flag that my mom received from her dad's funeral as a final thank you for his service many years ago."
Melton explained, "Even though the years might separate the America he knew and the one I know today, the core values that he fought for still hold true. I feel that it is our duty as American citizens to protect these values and pass them on to future generations."
Student Council member Jordon Calzoni presented a poem entitled, "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae which explained the symbolism behind the poppy flower.
Voice of Democracy winner Chloe Ray, read her essay, "My Responsibility to America."
Within her essay, Ray shared a quote from Elbert Hubbard, "One machine can do the work of 50 ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man."
She explained, "We must remember that one person (veteran) with dedication and commitment can be powerful, inspiring, and change the world."
High school history teacher Gary Goode recognized the more than 30 veterans at the assembly. The veterans walked across the front which included four veterans of the "Perfect Generation" meaning they were veterans from World War II.
Goode concluded the recognition by stating, "I know cliches are cliches but that just means they are true." He explained, "We are God blessed to be in this country and we are God blessed for the brave men and women that have served this wonderful country."
The assembly concluded with a moment of silence and the "Taps" played by Puxico Bands member, Nick Wirz.