The East Clinton FFA and Magnified Giving held their annual Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday at East Clinton High School.
FFA chapter President Katie Carey began the ceremony with a warm welcome to the guests. American Legion Wilmington Honor Guard Post #49 posted the colors and the East Clinton Concert Choir performed the Star-Spangled Banner directed by Mrs. Laura Brown.
Lydia Kessler gave a brief history of Veterans Day from Lydia Kessler, then Timmi Mahanes and Gretchen Boggs introduced the branches of the military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force. Veterans from each of these branches were recognized, with a special recognition for veterans who are also East Clinton alumni.
Mitchell Bean gave a brief guide on how to join the military. Katie Carey then introduced the East Clinton Wind Ensemble, directed by Mr. Samuel Minge, and their performance of “The Pacific” by Hans Zimmer and Blake Neely.
Myah Anteck and Jenna Stanley then read a passage about the American flag including about each fold and its meaning, and Zach Vest, Brody Fisher, Cooper Rack and Michael Horn folded and presented the flag.
Erynn Cluley presented an essay she wrote about the importance of veterans, and the meaning of Veterans Day.
Teddy Murphy and Tessa Bosier explained the setting of the MIA/POW table and its origin. The table was set by Magnified Giving members Kaylyn Deaton, Justin Arnold, Ashlynn Tate, Kenton Deaton, Haylee Cooper-Riehle and Abbi Reynolds. Teddy and Tessa explained the meaning of each step of setting the table. Carah Anteck then presented a poem to represent everyone who has served our country.
A slideshow put together by FFA member Josie Runk — containing pictures, awards, titles, honors, relation to any East Clinton students, and names of any veterans submitted to the East Clinton FFA — was presented.
Katie Carey introduced guest speaker David Brown, who spoke about his experience in the Marines and what it takes to be in any branch of the military.
A series of veteran tribute letters selected by East Clinton FFA Chapter Advisor Mr. Matt Griffith was then presented.
Veteran guest Lieutenant Colonel Matthew McCoppin was introduced; he presented his own story about his life in high school and the Air Force.
The assembly concluded with Katie Carey leading the crowd in a prayer and a moment of silence, while Lex Frye played “Taps.”
The East Clinton FFA Chapter and Magnified Giving would like to give thanks to American Legion Wilmington Honor Guard Post #49, our guest speakers, Magnified Giving and Mr. Minge, and the East Clinton Concert Winds.