Menifee County FFA members talk with veterans as they enjoy a meal.
One by one, as their names echoed through the gymnasium, local heroes of Menifee County were met with applause and deep gratitude for their service and sacrifices as the Menifee County Veterans Day program began to wrap up.
Preparations for the Veterans Day program begin early in the morning, transforming the school into a sea of red, white and blue. FFA members divided into their roles, working efficiently to ensure the day ran smoothly. At 12:30 p.m., veterans began to arrive for lunch and were greeted by FFA members who served them with care before they took their seats to enjoy the meal.
After everyone was seated and grace was given, veterans ate and chatted with FFA members as they went from table to table, mingling with others. Memories filled the room as past stories arose, not only from their time of service, but also from their time in the blue corduroy jacket.
After the meal wrapped up, bleachers quickly filled with students ready to honor the heroes before them. At 1:30 p.m., the program began. Menifee County FFA President Aiden Manley shared his experiences at Arlington Cemetery while attending the Washington Leadership Conference, where he was reminded that freedom is not free. He also reminds the crowd that “We are the home of the free because of the brave.”
After an invocation and a moment of silence while “Taps” played softly in the background on a snare drum, a presentation of the flag was brought to the front of the room. All attendees rose as the Menifee County band played the National Anthem.
“This event has been crucial in developing what serving others means to me,” Manley says. “Conversations with veterans and keynote speakers who are veterans showed me the importance of sacrificing for others. Veterans sacrificed so much and set an example of how we can put our own interests aside to serve our community. It exemplifies how we can make intentional choices to pour into others every day. We have liberty because of them, so that’s the least we can do with that gift. This program has opened my eyes to that truth.”
Rodney Coffey, a past Marine and sheriff and current pastor, shared a keynote speech and reminded attendees of the Bible verse John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.”
In reflecting on his own time serving, Coffey said, “My time in the military and law enforcement opened my eyes to what serving your fellow man is all about, preparing me to serve as pastor at Dayspring.”
Rodney Coffey shares a heartfelt keynote speech.
As the program ended, the gymnasium filled with gratitude and reflection. The heroes of Menifee County were honored not only for their service, but for the profound impact they continue to have on their community. The students, veterans and attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made not just in battle, but in everyday acts of service.
The Veterans Day program stands as a reminder of the courage, commitment and unwavering dedication that defines these local heroes. The words of Manley and Pastor Coffey linger, urging all to reflect on the liberties we enjoy and the ways we can continue to serve those who have given so much. The legacy of their sacrifices lives on, inspiring the next generation to live with purpose, compassion and a dedication to service.
