Lieutenant Colonel JD Collie, Cadet COL Ty McLendon, and our entire ECCHS JROTC program hosted a very moving Veterans Day ceremony this morning (11/11/25) to remind us that freedom is not free. Our keynote speaker was Colonel Copeland J Rowell, Commander, 201st Regional Support Group, Army National Guard.

This year, the special event demonstrated by our own cadets was presenting the POW Table. Cadets were dressed in their dress uniforms as they rendered honors to those that never came home, while Cadet Lietenant Colonel Jennifer Flores described the symbolism of the Service Members headgear, tablecloth, black ribbon, single rose, slice of lemon, salt, drinking glasses, red/white/blue ribbon, Bible, faded picture, and tilted chairs. Please honor and remember them.

Approximately 80 Veterans were in attendance today. We salute you, Veterans, and we thank you for your service to our great nation! May we always remember that we live in the Home of the Free because of the Brave!