Military Veterans and their families filled tables on the floor of the P.E. Wallace Middle School Gym while students and staff filled the stands in colored shirts that represented the flag of the United States on Thursday, November 8 as Wallace presented their 21st annual Veterans Day Program.
Started 21 years ago by then principal Rodney Huffman and teachers Jana Milam and Vicki Sinclair, the program was created to fulfill two purposes: to honor military veterans and to help Wallace students understand the role and sacrifices of the those who serve in the military.
This year’s Veterans address was given by Mr. Sid Serres. Serres gave the Veterans address at the very first Wallace program 21 years ago. Wallace students and staff were proud to welcome him back to the campus.
The program was full of music: the MPHS Jazz Band, the Wallace 5th and 6th Grade Choirs, the “Andrews Sisters” (Tracie Johnson, Zena Lawrence, Shonda Randle, Nan Verner, Deanna Warren and Diane Swiger on the Piano), and solos by Landon Johnson, Karen Luckett and Vicki Sinclair. Tim Ervin played “Reveille” and “Taps” to open and close the program.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department posted and retrieved the American and Texas flags, while Wallace students presented the military branch flags and, finally, the POW-MIA flag which was accompanied by a moment of silence.
Military widows, active military members, World War II veterans and recipients of military awards for Valor and Purple Hearts were honored. Wallace students read the names of Titus County residents who had served in World War I.
Sixth grade student Emely Chavelas read her Pilot Club award-winning essay, “I’m Proud to be an American.” Pilot Club member Becky Meriwether presented Chavelas a certificate for writing the moving essay.
“I am extremely proud to be able to present our Veterans such a wonderful program,” said Wallace Principal Nathan Rider. “It is a great opportunity for us to honor our veterans and for our students to learn the importance of Veteran’s Day. The students, faculty, and community all come together to make this the best Veteran’s Day program in Titus County.”
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