November 18, 2021 - (Album) - Joaquin ISD hosted their annual Veterans Day program November 11, 2021, in the High School Gymnasium.
The event kicked off with a slideshow of veterans projected at both ends of the gym and was accompanied by music.
The initial welcome was offered by Avery Prnka and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Karoline Oswalt and immediately followed by the Joaquin High School Band presentation of "The Star Spangled Banner."
Shelbi Miller gave a brief history of Veterans Day.
Veterans were then honored with a special presentation by Joaquin Elementary School students. They sang My Dear Country to the tune of London Bridge. Each veteran was given at least one American flag by an elementary student.
Shelby Freeman then read, "The Noble and the Brave," a Veterans Day Tribute.
Braylin Umbrell then provided a microphone to each of the veterans who were present on the gymnasium floor to allow them an introduction. Cullen Freeman then gave a tribute to those no longer with us, which was followed by Taps performed by the Joaquin High School Band.
VFW Post 8904 members present for the event were Larry Hume, Gene Hutto, Newton Johnson Jr., and Kenneth Dickerson. They introduced the winner of the post Patriot's Pen essay contest and the post Voice of Democracy Winner for Joaquin.
Lucinda R. David was the 7th grade student at Joaquin Junior High School and she received a Patriot's Pen medal, check for $100 and a framed certificate presented by Newton Johnson, Jr.
High School student Cullen Freeman was the Joaquin High School Voice of Democracy winner and he received a Voice of Democracy medal, check for $100 and a framed certificate presented by Gene Hutto.
After receiving recognition, Freeman and David each read their essays aloud for the audience.
The Joaquin High School Cheerleaders and Twirlers performed a program accompanied by the Mark Lawrence as he sang Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA.
The event was closed with Avery Prnka offering a closing prayer.
