On Monday, November 11th, the Macks Creek R-V School District was privileged to host 45 area Veterans for a ceremony in the high school gym. High School Principal, Mr. Jason Trusty served as Master of Ceremonies and shared opening remarks thanking the Veterans for their service and attendance. A breakfast was also served to each Veteran. Our FBLA, FFA, NHS, and Student Council helped to serve the meal and greet each of our Veterans.
To begin the ceremony our Elementary Preschool and Elementary Student Council led the Pledge of Allegiance. Senior Julian Norman, who recently took his oath of enlistment in the United States Navy, sang the “Star-Spangled Banner”.
First Sergeant Alejandro Branch provided the ceremonial address to our students, faculty, staff, and community. He touched on the importance of serving and preserving the cause of freedom. He then presented a Coin of Excellence to Senior Julian Norman (recently enlisted in the Navy) and to the family of Corporal Gerald Wilson.
During the program, guests and students enjoyed listening to our First Graders sing “God Bless the U.S.A.”. The High School Choir performed “A Tribute to the Armed Services” and “Coming Home.”
Ms. Kelly’s Middle School English class explained the importance and symbolism of properly folding the United States Flag. Students read that each of the 13 folds hold a special meaning. While each portion was read, students folded the flag. Macks Creek students also presented ‘The Missing Man’ (or ‘Fallen Comrade Table’). There are 10 items located on the table which is placed with a setting for one, a symbol of those not able to be with us today. 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.
A special diploma presentation then took place. In October, Class of 1949 student Gerald “Jerry” Newton Wilson's remains returned home to Macks Creek after 74 years. Relatives in the community worked to have the remains identified, which occurred in 2018. After six years of trying to bring Jerry home they were finally able to do so. His body left Honolulu, HI, on October 10 and made the trek to Camdenton, arriving on October 11. Jerry was interred on Tuesday, October 15.
Corporal Wilson enlisted in the military in August of 1948 at the age of 17 during his Senior year in high school. He was presumed lost in July 1950, before the remains were found, interred as a missing soldier, and then later identified. Corporal Wilson was never able to hear his name called in May of 1949 at what would have been his high school graduation. Today, November 11, 2024, Macks Creek Schools posthumously awarded Corporal Wilson with his high school diploma. Accepting it were cousins, Penny Curnutt Charlton and Janie Kueck. The Macks Creek R-V School District would like to thank Corporal Wilson for his service to this country.
The program concluded with a poem, “The Call to Duty”, read by Brooklyn Duggan. Everyone at Macks Creek School would like to thank 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!
