Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Oct. 25, 2024 – Nettleton High School EAST has invited all of those who have served or are presently serving in all branches of the United States Military to their annual Veterans Day event.

“A Legacy of Loyalty and Service” program and luncheon will be held Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Bernards Auditorium at 505 E. Washington Avenue in Jonesboro. NHS faculty member and former Marine, Brian Brewer will be this year’s guest speaker.

Nettleton High School EAST teacher Sandra Taylor said NHS has been doing the Veterans Day Program for close to 20 years.

“We first started hosting the Veterans on campus in 2007,” she explained, noting that former NHS student Taylor Riddle had wanted to host a program to honor local veterans. “Our first luncheon was in 2010 and it was held in the NHS Commons. We outgrew that space and moved it to the Fitness Center, then to the NHS Cafeteria and our last luncheon was held in November 2019. Even after COVID, we still had a virtual Veterans Day program, and then for the last few years we had a reception for our veterans.”

According to Taylor, they had over 700 veterans, guests, faculty, and students at the last luncheon and wanted to have it at a location that would not displace students and classes to accommodate the extra number of people on campus for an event, so they choose the St. Bernards Auditorium.

“We are excited to be able to bring our luncheon back this year. The interaction students have with veterans during this meal is invaluable in many ways as students learn about the history, sacrifices, and experiences of the veterans in attendance,” Taylor said.

NHS senior Ella Barrett said the Veterans Day Program means many things to her.

“It is a beautiful experience for all those involved whether you are a veteran or someone getting to participate in the program,” she said. “It’s incredible to see everyone come together for one good cause to honor the people who fought and have served our great country.”

NHS faculty member Craig Miller said that he tells people all the time that their Veterans Day Program is the best thing they do at Nettleton.

“It honors our veterans and teaches our students the value of service and patriotism,” Miller said. “It is extremely valuable from an educational standpoint. Through the years of doing the program I have seen our students sitting and learning about World War II from men who actually fought in the war. You can’t experience things like that from reading a textbook. Our Veterans Day program teaches our students to love their country and to honor those who have served.”

Reservations must be made no later than Nov. 1. RSVP by calling (870) 897-0020 or through email to sandra.taylor@nettletonschools.net.