Mettawee Community School

It never gets old. The Mettawee Community School’s annual tradition of hosting a Veteran’s Day breakfast for local service men and women always moves and impresses young and old alike.

For the students, it’s an opportunity to share a special moment with a family member, friend or neighbor who sacrificed and served in the United States military. For the veterans, it’s a chance to be with future generations and receive their admiration and gratitude.

“I know that the veterans feel appreciated and that our students understand the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of these men and women,”says Mettawee Principal Brooke DeBonis.

Red, white and blue decorations added a patriotic flair to this year’s Mettawee morning banquet. Stars and stripes streamers lined the table-tops with napkins featuring the American flag. A fresh fruit salad of strawberries and blueberries in white bowls fit naturally into the motif.

Outside the auditorium, a display of military artifacts greeted the veterans as they arrived for breakfast. Mettawee paraeducator Kelli Lewis curated the exhibit that included service uniforms, medals, caps, helmets, boots, vintage photographs, and much more. The students lingered before the display on their way to the breakfast celebration.

Early in the program, DeBonis followed a treasured Mettawee tradition for introducing the nearly 40 veterans to the students.  She moved from table to table with a hand-held microphone, asking each veteran to say their name, military branch, and years of service.

“Each year the introductions take my breath away,” said Lewis, who besides curating the display also organized this year’s decorations. “I start adding up the years and realize it represents lifetimes of service and sacrifice for our country. I think of what these men and women have done and to celebrate their efforts for us in a public school setting means so much to me.”

The largest contingent from this year’s breakfast came from the Vietnam War era, but two guests served as far back as the Korean War. There were also multiple men and women who served during the Persian Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

This year’s guest list also included a Mettawee alum, Blake Georgeson, who served his country from 2017 to 2023. “I have fond memories of the Veteran’s Day Breakfast from my days as a student,” says Georgeson. “I must admit, it feels a bit surreal to be here as a vet, but I’m honored and moved to be back at my old school as a guest today. I plan to keep returning.”

Following the breakfast the Mettawee sixth graders took command of the program. They spoke to the audience about the findings of their research on each branch of the military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space. Then the kids led the assembly with a singing of the official song for each branch of service (except for Space which is so new, they don’t yet have an official song).