Veterans Day ceremonies have become a tradition in the Ottumwa School District. Today, Evans Middle School, Ottumwa High School, and Wilson Elementary hosted events.
A unique addition to the OHS assembly was the POW MIA Remembrance Ceremony. JROTC Cadets Savannah Rupp and Madison Hanley presented the ceremony during both Veterans Day assemblies. A small table was set with one place setting. Each item on the table represented an aspect of the missing soldier, their unconquerable spirit, their bitter fate, the blood they shed, and the ultimate reminder that they are not here by the empty chair. It is the first time for both cadets to perform this solemn ceremony.
“The ceremony allows us to remember the soldiers we have lost,” said Hanley. “It helps people to see and understand what it’s like to lose someone in the military.”
“This is just one table and one chair, representing one soldier,” said Savannah Rupe. “I can’t imagine all the tables and chairs it would take” to represent all the fallen soldiers.
Both cadets, sophomores at OHS, are considering military service after graduation to help them attain their future goals. “JROTC is a great program to be a part of,” said Hanley. Both credit the program for the leadership opportunities it provides.
Approximately 70 cadets participated in Veterans Day events throughout the community. This is a busy day for the group, according to Chief John Wynn.
“I am proud and honored to participate in this ceremony,” said Hanley. “I’m proud of the people who serve our country.”
