Smith-Cotton honors veterans with breakfast, ceremony

Published 7:09 am Thursday, November 12, 2026

By Chris Howell

A giant American flag flew from a fire truck ladder high over Smith-Cotton High School Wednesday, Nov. 11, for the 2026 Smith-Cotton Veterans Day Ceremony.

Sharply uniformed JROTC members held the doors for dozens of veterans and their families, gave them poppies for their lapels and escorted them to breakfast in the cafeteria.

Army veteran Rick Townsend shared breakfast with his grandpa, Karson Townsend, a member of the Smith-Cotton JROTC.

“I love it,” Rick Townsend said. “This is my third. We’re going to cruise down and hit the assembly, then we’re going to the parade this afternoon. It’s fun to get around the kids.”

Rick Townsend was impressed by the cadets who served veterans and paid each one the respect they deserve.

“Yes, they do; every one of them do,” Rick Townsend said, looking at his grandson. “I’m proud of him, he looks great. I was ROTC too as a kid out in California, a long time ago. It just gives you a sense of pride.”

Senior Airman Cody Young, an active-duty Air Force recruiter from Warrensburg, was impressed by the school’s support for veterans.

“It might not seem like it, but a lot of people really don’t stand behind the military too much anymore,” Young said. “But when you get a turnout like this, it really feels good to see that the love and patriotism is still there.”

Recruiting for the military, Young knows all about the vast wealth of patriots in the area.

“You have Whiteman Air Force Base right there,” Young said. “And then with the huge JROTC programs that we have in the area, you really can’t compete against it.”

As veterans shared a meal, white-gloved JROTC bussed their plates and fastidiously cleaned the coffee spills.

“Everybody’s proud to be here, it seems; I haven’t seen a sad face today,” Young said. “I don’t take too much appreciation; these guys are the ones that have done their time; I’m still freshly in. These guys did their time and did what they were supposed to do, and it’s really all thanks to them.”

Inside the gym, students quietly filled every seat, and dignitaries took the stage as the New Score Singers sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

The veterans filed into the waiting ceremony through a corridor of saluting cadets and took their seats.

Renditions of the anthems of each military branch were sung and their colors were presented.

Retired Lt. Col. Cliff McBride was the keynote speaker and spoke to the true meaning of Veterans Day.

McBride gave a history of the founding of the country and tried to impart that love of country to the students in attendance.

“Everyone present, including those who are in the stands, has now experienced this tradition,” McBride said. “I’m humbled to stand before so many of you who have given and sacrificed so much. This community is fortunate to have youth that have arranged this breakfast, planning and executing this ceremony and greeting and honoring each veteran as they showed up.”

McBride then acknowledged the students willing to serve their country.

“Thank you to the next generation of youth who sit in the stands,” McBride said. “Because soon they’re going to be picking up the mantle that we’ve left behind, they’re going to be the next generation of veterans to sit down here and be recognized.”

Finally, a lone table was set in honor of those Prisoners of War and Missing in Action from US conflicts; a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps rounded out the ceremony.

Chris Howell can be reached at 660-530-0146.