Veterans Day, a time for reflection and reverence, was the perfect day for Alcoa Middle School student council students to unveil their newest project, a statue of a bald eagle that serves as a memorial for military veterans.
The plaque on the statue read, “To all past, present, and future military men and women of the Alcoa community. We honor and thank you for your sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to our great nation. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of a grateful community.”
Before the statue was unveiled, AMS held its first Veterans Day program in several years, spearheaded by AMS Student Council Sponsor and eighth grade Math Teacher Cheryl Arp. After University of Tennessee’s Air Force ROTC students presented the flags, the AMS choir sang the National Anthem.
The song transitioned into a short prayer, led by student Ella Buehler, and a welcome from principal Jordan Ridenour.
After Ridenour recognized the veterans who were present, student Zeke Moore presented the Fallen Soldier Table, which is used to represent soldiers who are missing in action or prisoners of war.