On Monday, November 11, 2024, the West Liberty-Salem High School Leadership Council hosted a Veterans Day breakfast to honor local veterans, current service members, and their families. The event, held at the high school, was attended by more than 50 veterans and their loved ones, all coming together to commemorate the sacrifices made by those who served in the military.
The WLS Choir set the tone for the morning by performing a beautiful rendition of America the Beautiful, paying tribute to the dedication and service of veterans. Brigadier General Matthew Woodruff, the event’s keynote speaker, shared powerful words of gratitude and encouragement with the attendees. He spoke about the often-overlooked sacrifices that veterans make during their service, recalling not the easy moments, but the challenging ones spent in treacherous conditions with their fellow soldiers. He urged all veterans to continue living a life of service, drawing from the same selflessness they exhibited during their time in the military.
The breakfast, which featured 200 eggs, sausage, and pancakes, was made possible by the WLS FFA chapter, whose members arrived early for school to prepare the meal. Community sponsors played a significant role in the event’s success as well. Generous contributions came from local businesses including Woodruff Farms, Theresa’s Gingerbread House, Logan Lawn and Landscape, People’s Savings and Loan Bank, and Solomon’s Garage.
Special thanks to Julie Neiman and Andy McGill, who supported the student leaders by helping manage the guest list and speaking at the event. The West Liberty-Salem Leadership Council, consisting of Juniors Tori Douthwaite, Caleb Larson, and Ava Astorino, along with Seniors Taran Logwood, Caleb Hershberger, and Ava Johnson, worked together to organize and host the first annual Veterans Day breakfast, ensuring that local veterans felt appreciated and honored.
The breakfast was a meaningful and well-attended gathering that not only recognized the sacrifices of veterans but also reinforced the strong bond between the school, its students, and the community.