The P.E. Wallace Middle School gym was filled with love and admiration for our veterans on Monday, November 11. The Wallace Middle School 27th annual Veterans Day program honored local veterans with lunch, music, gifts, and moments of appreciation. Wallace students and MPHS Student Council members served the veterans and their families while they were entertained by music from the past played by the MPHS Jazz Band. Local businesses donated gift cards and gifts that were presented to the audience members as door prizes. There were over 100 door prizes on the table and all were claimed by veterans.

Wallace fifth grader Kinlee Castro offered the blessing. MPHS sophomore, Cooper Rider, with Mount Pleasant Junior High seventh graders Hudson Rider, Jackson Fender, Wyatt Fender, and Luke Ethridge and Wallace fifth grader, Liam Boyd, of Boy Scout Troop 6101, posted and retrieved the American and Texas flags while Wallace students, Peyton Glenn and Chloe Mancera, led the pledges. Wallace Student Council President, Khloee Castro, offered a word of welcome to the guests and fellow classmates who had entered and created a living American flag in the stands of the Wallace gym. After the welcome, Wallace students Piper Martin (Army), Mallory Mancera (Navy), Sebastian Sheppard (Coast Guard), Erik Castaneda (Marines), and Jaretzy Villeda (Air Force) presented the military branch flags while the Wallace Honor Choir sang the song of each, and veterans stood for their branch. Wallace students Kate Cluley, Andrea Garcia, Camilia Flores, and Heslie Salazar presented carnations in recognition of military spouses and widows. Wallace student Melanie Valle presented the POW-MIA flag which was accompanied by a moment of silence.

Carmelo Green, fifth-grade student, introduced Louie J. Barton, to give this year’s Veteran’s Address. Barton proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1972 to 1977. During his service, he held the rank of Third Boatswain Mate on the USCGC Minnetonka, where he patrolled the Pacific from San Francisco to Hawaii as an Aide to Navigation. His experience included being stationed in Bermuda at the Loran Monitor Station and patrolling the Mississippi River, guiding boats down from Lake Providence to the Arkansas River.

After completing his military service, Barton pursued his education, graduating from Colorado College in 1980 with a history degree. He explored a variety of careers before he found his true calling, teaching. In 1988, he began his teaching career at Mount Vernon Junior High but quickly joined Mount Pleasant High School, spending the next 26 years making a profound impact on his students. During his time at MPHS, Barton taught U.S. History, Government, and Economics. He was also the Debate Coach and UIL sponsor for speaking events, fostering a love for knowledge, patriotism, and critical thinking among his students. His excellence in teaching did not go unnoticed, as he was honored twice as Teacher of the Year, a testament to his dedication and ability to inspire. Barton explained that Veterans Day is always on November 11 because World War I was ended in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. He also explained that the veterans seated on the floor of the gym fought for their freedom to attend school.

The program was full of music provided by the MPHS Jazz Band and the Wallace 5th and 6th grade Honor Choirs. Veteran and owner of 903 Thrifts, Kristian Luker, sang “America the Beautiful.” MPHS teacher, Landon Johnson, gave a solo performance of “God Bless the U.S.A.” MPISD Band Director, Karen Luckett, and her twin sister and Corprew music teacher, Kirby Merritt, sang “God Bless America.” Wallace Middle School teacher, Jason Barfield, played “Reveille” and “Taps” to open and close the program.

Military widows, active military members, military mothers, and recipients of military awards for Valor and Purple Hearts were honored. Special recognition was given to World War II veteran Ellis Moore, who passed away in March at ninety-nine-years-old. Moore had attended all 26 Wallace Veteran’s Day celebrations until his passing this year.

Sixth grade student Sebastian Cates was recognized for his Pilot Club award-winning essay, “I’m Proud to be an American.” Pilot Club member Susan Old presented Cates a certificate and a $75 check for writing the winning essay.

Wallace Principal, Nathan Rider, concluded the program with, “On behalf of Wallace Middle School and MPISD, I would like to thank all of you who currently serve or have served this great nation. We sincerely appreciate the sacrifices that you have made to protect our freedom. I would also like to thank everyone who participated in making this event possible. Veterans, I hope you all enjoyed the program and hope to see you all next year.”

Photos:

1: MPHS senior, Tanner Marshall (left), and Wallace fifth grader, Carmelo Green, serve the veterans and their families

2: MPHS senior, Amir Martinez, serves lunch to the guests

3: Wallace teacher, Jason Barfield, plays “Reveille”

4: P.E. Wallace Middle School students form a living United States flag

5: Wallace 5th and 6th grade Honor Choir sing the National Anthem

6: Wallace fifth grader, Kate Cluley, presents a carnation to a military spouse

7: Veterans stand to be recognized

8: Wallace 5th grader, Carmelo Green (right), and Wallace Principal, Nathan Rider (center) introduce and welcome the guest speaker, Louie J. Barton

9: Wallace sixth grader, Melanie Valle, presents the POW-MIA flag

10: MPJH seventh grader, Hudson Rider, posts the Texas flag