West Liberty-Salem Local Schools welcomed more than 220 veterans, active-duty military members, and their families to campus Wednesday morning for the district's Third Annual Veterans Day Breakfast. The event brought together generations of service members, students, staff, and community members for a morning dedicated to honoring the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of those who have served our country.
Now in its third year, the breakfast has become a meaningful tradition at West Liberty-Salem, offering students an opportunity to personally express their appreciation to the men and women whose service has helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today.
The event was organized by the West Liberty-Salem Leadership Council, with high school students Bayes Lapp, Bella Hughes, Patrick Brooks, Ellery Wygal, Arianna Weaver, and Gavin Bell taking the lead in planning and coordinating the morning's activities. From preparing for the event to welcoming guests, these student leaders worked to create a memorable experience for those in attendance.
Members of the West Liberty-Salem FFA prepared and served breakfast under the direction of FFA adviser Mrs. Trista Havens, with additional guidance and support from Middle School Principal Mr. Andy McGill. Their efforts helped create a welcoming atmosphere where guests could enjoy a delicious meal, share stories, and connect with fellow veterans and members of the WL-S community.
This year's featured speaker was West Liberty-Salem Athletic Director Morgan Sullivan, U.S. Army Captain (Retired), who shared a message centered on service, sacrifice, and leadership. Drawing on the values that define military service, Sullivan reminded those in attendance of the lasting impact of those who answer the call to serve and the importance of recognizing their contributions. Morgan and his wife, Michelle (McIntosh) Sullivan, are the proud parents of Briley, Beckett, Brandel, and Bentey Sullivan. During his remarks, Morgan took a moment to recognize his wife and children, expressing his heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support and the sacrifices they made throughout his military service. He emphasized that service extends beyond the individual in uniform, acknowledging the important role military families play and the sacrifices they make alongside their loved ones.
Among the morning's honored guests was a particularly special attendee, World War II veteran Russell Arnold, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. His presence was a remarkable reminder of the generations of Americans who have answered the call to serve. Having Mr. Arnold join the celebration was a privilege for the West Liberty-Salem community and an especially meaningful opportunity for students to connect with a living part of our nation's history. His century of life and legacy of service made this year's gathering all the more memorable.
Beyond the breakfast itself, the morning provided an important opportunity for students to connect with veterans and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by military members and their families. These interactions help ensure that the stories, experiences, and legacies of those who have served continue to be recognized by future generations.
West Liberty-Salem extends its sincere appreciation to the Leadership Council, FFA members, staff, and volunteers whose time and dedication made the event possible. Special thanks are also extended to Theresa's Gingerbread House, ColePak, and Malia Hughes for their generous support.
As this annual tradition continues to grow, West Liberty-Salem remains committed to honoring the men and women who have served our nation while encouraging students to carry forward the values of gratitude, service, and respect.
To all veterans and active-duty service members, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to our country. We are honored to celebrate you!