Morristown FFA members during the Veterans Day program and breakfast.
The Morristown FFA Chapter of Indiana contributed to their school’s Veterans Day Program by hosting breakfast for veterans. The chapter plans to expand its involvement in the program in the future, but this year was its first year hosting the breakfast.
Every member had a job, which helped to make the day organized and run smoothly. The underclassmen were doorholders to add to the welcoming environment. “We didn’t want any of our guests to touch a single door handle,” says Anna Osborne, the chapter’s reporter. The upperclassmen also served breakfast to the veterans—a platter of biscuits and gravy, eggs, fruit, and other items up for grabs.
This group did not allow guests to touch a door handle, welcoming everyone warmly.
During the breakfast, the chapter members sat with their guests to catch up. “For us, this event was about community,” says Brooklyn Carlton, the chapter’s chaplain. “Since we live in such a small community, we knew everyone who filled that room, and it was our opportunity to give back to those who gave so much to our community and also our country,” Carlton said.
A group of members served breakfast to the veterans.
“It was rewarding to see how we welcomed all of our guests while they were in attendance,” Osborne said.
After breakfast, the chapter participated in their school’s Veterans Day program, with the chaplain giving the reflection. During the program, the veterans were asked to share their names and branches of service. One veteran stood out to the chapter when he shared that he felt welcomed by the chapter during their breakfast and that the FFA members were some of the most respectful students he’d met.
Morristown FFA Chaplain Brooklyn Carlton gives the reflection during the school’s program.
The chapter hopes to grow this program. One idea is to display photos of students’ family members during the program and have a member highlight the chapter’s gratitude and appreciation for service members. The chapter also plans to consult other area chapters and gain ideas through their programs.
Morristown FFA is excited by the program’s success in its first year and looks forward to expanding its traditions. The chapter is grateful to be a part of this day and serve its community members.
