Ahead of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, a Veterans Day tribute brought together students, staff, veterans, and families to honor the men and women who’ve bravely served our country. Tecumseh Middle School hosted the annual Veterans Day Breakfast, drawing an impressive turnout that filled the room with a sense of gratitude and pride. The morning began as TMS student musicians performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” setting a patriotic tone for the celebration.
The Veterans Day Breakfast, made possible by TMS staff and supported by National Junior Honor Society students, was a meaningful way for our community to express appreciation for our veterans. The Tecumseh Schools Orchestra’s powerful rendition of the Armed Forces Salute, with each branch’s tune honoring the attending veterans, added an emotional highlight to the event.
As in previous years, the breakfast included a Missing Man Table, a cherished tradition at TMS’s Veterans Day events. This solemn display, with its empty chair, red rose, and upside-down glass, serves as a powerful reminder of the service members who are still missing in action or are prisoners of war. Each item on the table represents a part of their sacrifice and the loss felt by their families—the lemon symbolizes the bitterness of their fate, the salt for the tears shed by loved ones, and the white tablecloth represents their pure intentions. It’s a quiet yet powerful way for our community to honor those who have not yet come home.
Veterans Day, first celebrated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, was established to mark the end of World War I and honor those who served. Today, it’s a national observance dedicated to all U.S. veterans, past and present, who have committed themselves to protecting our freedoms. Events like today’s breakfast not only serve as a tribute to these sacrifices but also connect younger generations with the experiences of those who served.
Every year is meaningful for students, many of whom could sit with parents, grandparents, or relatives who served in the military. The event sparked valuable conversations about military service and inspired respect and understanding for the contributions of our veterans.
“Today’s event is a reminder of the strength of our community and the importance of honoring those who have given so much to safeguard our way of life,” said TPS Superintendent Matt Hilton. “Seeing our students connect with veterans on such a personal level is inspiring and reinforces the value of service, sacrifice, and gratitude.”
We’d also like to extend special thanks to Big Boy of Tecumseh for their generous donation of food and support, which helped make the morning so memorable.
To our students, musicians, and staff who made this celebration possible—thank you for honoring our veterans with such respect and heart. We look forward to continuing this gratitude tradition for many years.
