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Middle School Chapel Recap
Each year prior to the 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C., our 8th graders pray for the opportunity to encounter veterans in our Nation's Capital, and God never disappoints. This year, our 8th graders were blessed with multiple Divine Appointments with veterans. From the moment they arrived in D.C., the 8th graders knew God had amazing interactions in store for them. Perhaps the most impactful moment came at Arlington National Cemetery, where three full buses of Honor Flight veterans showed up. Our students got to thank these amazing men and women for their service, shake hands and give hugs, and in the presence of multiple Vietnam Veterans, the students got to welcome them home! It was a beautiful sight full of laughter and tears of joy and appreciation.
In response to these beautiful interactions, the 8th graders knew they wanted to continue MCS's partnership with Honor Flight Southland that begun last year, so this past month our students spent a few weeks preparing to lead our 6th & 7th graders in individual homeroom chapels. In small groups, the 8th graders went to a designated homeroom and showed a short video recap of our trip to D.C. Then they explained what Honor Flight is and showed a video about Honor Flight Southland. These presentations were instrumental in rallying the entire Middle School to support this wonderful cause. And boy, did our Middle Schoolers rally!
On Monday, we hosted our Second Annual Honor Flight Chapel for the entire Middle School. Our Choir and Worship team opened the morning with a beautiful rendition of God Bless America, followed by three students sharing their personal experience at Arlington and meeting veterans. Then Mrs. Thurston and Mrs. Harrison interviewed some of our special guests. Craig Van Doren and Luci Miller, founding members of Honor Flight Southland, shared a bit about their program and how important it is to send veterans to see their memorials in Washington, D.C. Another special guest, Lt. Colonel Courtland Braden, a highly decorated 27-year Air Force pilot then spoke to the students about his military experience in Vietnam and across the globe. Among the awards and decorations he has earned, Lt. Colonel Braden has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation medal. Speaking directly to our students, Lt. Colonel Braden challenged them to continue to show patriotism and love for their country. He was impressed with the level of their dedication to learning about the military and what it takes to preserve the freedoms we have in our country.
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