Jefferson Elementary marks 10 years of honoring veterans
COLDWATER, MI — Fewer veterans attended the annual Veterans celebration Friday morning, Nov. 6, at Jefferson Elementary School. This unique Branch County tradition to honor veterans began 10 years ago at the Vans Avenue second- and third-grade center. More than 300 students gathered around the flagpole and lined the sidewalks for the raising of the U.S. flag and Taps by the American Legion color guard. Students lined the halls as veterans, parents, and grandparents entered for breakfast in the cafeteria and a library program featuring songs and patriotic presentations by each class. A few parents took time off work to attend for their children. Dan Muckle served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2007 to 2012, including a deployment to Afghanistan starting in 2009. His son and daughter attend Jefferson. “I think it’s really important for the students. It shows them they can support local veterans and that local veterans are supported by the community,” Muckle said. Kevin Brooks served in the U.S. Army from 2009 to 2017 as a military police sergeant, including a tour at Guantanamo Bay. Brooks, a St. Joseph County Sheriff's detective sergeant, took time off to attend. He said his third-grade son’s interest made him
