Veterans Day is an important day across the country.  Set aside to honor the sacrifices of men and women who have served in the armed forces across the decades, Veterans Day allows those who have benefitted from the freedoms provided at great personal sacrifice by those who have come before them to celebrate those sacrifices.  Oneida County has a long history of both military service and respect for that service.  One of the longest running traditions locally is the Veterans Day celebration at Malad Elementary, which involves the reading of the selected winning essays, as well as a musical and visual salute to the Veterans of the county.

Last year, Kay and Gene Caldwell, Brent Bowen, and Kathy Kent presented a photo tribute to Veterans in which the original, older photos of the county’s vets had been updated with color and enhanced imaging as part of the main slideshow.  This year’s program will be held in the MES auditorium at 10 a.m., and then again at 7 p.m.

This year, the fifth grade students at Malad Elementary School were given the writing prompt "What three words describe a Veteran?" Their essays were judged by the following retired school teachers: Lois Willie, Anne Crowther and Jean Schwartz. The judges chose the top three essays from each fifth grade class. These students attended a public speaking training and then presented their essays on stage for the fourth and fifth grade. The presentations were judged by Garry and Geneal White and Jeff and Laurie Richins. They selected three winners and an honorable mention from the nine finalists. The American Legion sponsored the monetary prizes. First place was Jettsen Miller receiving $75. Second place was Rebecca Nelson receiving $50. Third place was Jaxon Kimberling receiving $25. Honorable Mention was Ira Carter. The top three essay winners will present their essays in the Veterans Memorial Day Program.