On Thursday, Nov. 11, the Mid-Prairie High School community paid tribute to the community’s veterans during their Veterans Day assembly. The students were joined by many veterans from the area and took the opportunity to thank the men and women for their service to the United States of America.

The assembly was put on in part by students in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), a nonprofit national career and technical student organization.

“Today it is our privilege to say thank you to all of America’s veterans and to let them know that we appreciate them for their service and honor them for their sacrifices,” said Anna Nafziger during the assembly. “The price for freedom is high and we cannot afford to forget those willing to pay it. Today we celebrate America’s veterans for keeping this nation the land of free and the home of the brave.”

The veterans were invited to stand during the assembly and share their name, their years of service and the capacity in which they served. Veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines were recognized.

“I’d like to say thank you to all the veterans, those who are currently serving and those who will serve in the future. It is an honor to be with you here today,” said high school principal Chuck Banks. “Students, staff and community members, I ask that you always remember the sacrifice… Students, please remember all of our past and present military members each and every day, not just on Veterans Day. They are the reason we are able to enjoy the freedoms that we all have.”

One Mid-Prairie senior, Madison Kelly, was recognized as an active member of the Army National Guard. Kelly joined the service on March 24, 2021 and completed basic training over the summer. Kelly currently reports to drill once a month.

“I joined the Army because I wanted to serve with people that make America what it is. I feel like soldiers are the people who really do keep America free,” Kelly said. “I want to be a part of what makes America so great.”