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In the spirit of gratitude and remembrance, schools across the nation pause each November to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
On November 11, Veterans Day provides an opportunity to reflect on their sacrifices, celebrate patriotism, and educate the next generation about the true cost of freedom.
Both West Central Middle School and La Harpe Elementary hosted programs that brought together students, staff, veterans, and community members on Monday, November 10.
These programs featured student-led presentations, musical performances, guest speakers, and poignant tributes, underscoring the enduring impact of military service on individuals and communities alike.
West Central Middle School's 19th Annual Veterans Day Program
West Central Middle School marked its 19th annual Veterans Day Program in Stronghurst with a blend of education, music, and personal stories, emphasizing the sacrifices and achievements of veterans.
The program opened with an introduction by eighth-grader Bella Pepper, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the day's purpose: to honor heroes for their bravery and dedication. Fellow eighth-grader Connor Trafton then explained the historical significance of "Taps," the iconic bugle call originating in the Civil War era, used to signal the end of the day and in memorial ceremonies for fallen soldiers.
A key highlight was the playing of "Armed Forces-The Pride of America" by the West Central High School band and the High School and Middle School Choirs, a medley of official songs for the six branches of the U.S. military: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Seventh-grader Shealee Bowman also shared insights into Veterans Day as a national holiday and the story behind how it became a day to honor all who served.
The program continued with a reading of the poem "The Flame of Duty" by seventh-grader Claire Day, a tribute to soldiers' unwavering spirit.
Principal DeWeese then introduced EJ Santos, a paraprofessional, athletic director, and Navy veteran, who has enriched the school through coaching, improving attendance, and supporting students academically.
Mr. Santos, in turn, welcomed guest speaker Josh Higgins, a former Air Force member discharged in 2019, now an active community volunteer and baseball coach.
Higgins shared his military journey, from basic training in San Antonio, Texas, to deployments in Afghanistan as a crew chief and later as a geospatial intelligence analyst.
He emphasized the skills gained through service: leadership, team-work, certifications, and the physical and mental demands, including rigorous fitness routines.
Higgins encouraged students to consult veterans like Mr. Santos for realistic advice and expressed his hopes for his son to pursue a path in college baseball and potentially as a Navy SEAL.
The event featured stirring musical per-formances directed by Bethany Nannen and Shelby Johnson, including the West Central High School Band and High School and Middle School Choir's rendition of "Armed Forces-The Pride of America" (arr. Larry Clark & Greg Gilpin), the WCMS Choir's "Let Freedom Ring" (Jay Althouse) and "Our America" (arr. John Higgins), the WCHS Choir's "We Honor You" (Roger Emerson) and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Howe & Steffe, arr. Althouse), and the High School and Middle School bands' "Veterans Day Parade" (Michael Oare) and "Honor the Brave" (Victor Lopez).
The Henderson County American Legion Post 765 presented and retired the colors, adding a ceremonial touch.
In closing, Ms. DeWeese thanked speakers, performers, and contributors, including the student council and local legion post, for making the program a success.
La Harpe Elementary's Veterans Day Service
At La Harpe Elementary, the Veterans Day Service fostered a sense of community and intergenerational appre-ciation, with students from preschool to eighth grade actively participating in a program that blended reflection, storytelling, and creative tributes.
Superintendent Janet Gladu opened the event by welcoming families, staff, and veterans, stressing the value of pausing daily routines to express gratitude and instill patriotism in young minds.
Gladu acknowledged the students' hard work in preparations and thanked veterans for their selfless courage, noting how their service unites communities across generations.
Principal Ryan Hopper introduced the special guest, U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Kevin Mershon, whose personal narrative formed the emotional core of the program.
Mershon recounted his path to service, inspired by the events of September 11, 2001, while in 8th grade at La Harpe Junior High.
Enlisting in 2006 after playing sports, he described the rigors of boot camp and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
He highlighted the profound challenges, including family sepa-rations, such as missing his daughter's birth, and limited communication, underscoring the sacrifices borne by military families.
Mershon urged kindness toward these families and expressed pride in his contributions to national security.
Student-led segments added heartfelt layers to the service. Fifth graders presented an acrostic poem on "FREEDOM," sixth graders created a list poem titled "I Wish I Could Tell a Veteran," seventh graders wrote "Because of You," and eighth graders offered a classic poem.
Third-grade teacher Ashley Cox introduced a skit based on "America's White Table," depicting the Missing Man Table, a symbolic setup honoring POWs and MIAs with elements like a white tablecloth for purity, a single rose for bloodshed, an inverted glass, and an empty chair.
The program included participation from all grade levels.
Pre-K and kindergarten students led the Pledge of Allegiance; the La Harpe Junior High Choir sang "God Bless America"; second graders presented cards to veterans; fourth graders discussed military branches and Veterans Day history; first graders performed a thank-you skit; the Dallas City Junior High Choir sang "We Say Thank You"; junior high students handed out thank-you cards; and the La Harpe Junior High Band played "Armed Forces Tribute."
The Illini West High School FFA presented and retired the colors.
Mr. Hopper concluded with reflections on embodying veterans' values of respect, responsibility, and service, extending thanks to all involved for a memorable tribute.
Both programs at West Central Middle School and La Harpe Elementary exemplified how educational institutions can inspire patriotism while educating youth about military history and personal sacrifice.
Through guest speakers like Josh Higgins and Kevin Mershon, students gained firsthand insights into the realities of service, from deployments to family impacts.
Musical and poetic elements amplified the emotional resonance, while community involvement, from American Legion posts to student organizations, reinforced unity.
As these schools demonstrate, Veterans Day is more than a holiday; it's a living lesson in gratitude, ensuring that the flame of duty burns brightly for future generations.
La Harpe 2nd graders gave cards to Veterans in attendance.
Sgt. Kevin Mershon, US Marine Corp, speaking at the La Harpe Veterans Day Program.
Joshua Higgins, E-5 US Air Force,speaking at the WCMS Veterans Day Program.