MOUNT VERNON — Many eighth graders spend spring thinking about summer break. Four Mount Vernon Middle School students instead found themselves representing Knox County at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
The wreath laying ceremony remembers and honors the sacrifices of all fallen, missing and unidentified American service members throughout history.
To be a part of this ceremony is considered a deep honor. In May, four Mount Vernon Middle School eighth grade students were selected to lay a wreath.
MVMS selected Lucy Hunsen, Dane Gunderson, Ash Farrell and Aiden Mast based on essays submitted for a contest.
Students shared their essays with the community
On Wednesday, students were honored for their achievement at the bi-weekly Knox County Veteran Service Office Commissioners meeting.
Students were asked to read their essays out loud.
“Some soldiers’ names are forgotten, but they are forever remembered by their sacrifice for our country,” Mast wrote.
“I want to pay my respects and represent our school in honoring those warriors because they gave everything they had, and someone has to show up and say we remember you, even without a name,” Hunsen wrote.
“When my generation wants to learn about wars and soldiers, all they do is ask AI. But being at a place like Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier makes it real,” Gunderson wrote.
“The tomb of the unknown is truly the most saddest and yet happy place in the world, and shall be forever stored in our hearts… it signifies loss, mourning and yet the celebration of life still occurs,” Farrell wrote.
Each student received a resolution from the Knox County Commissioners office, commending them for their actions, and a certificate from the VSO Commissioners expressing thanks for their work.
Students also received a 13-star Betsy Ross American flag and a Knox County coin given to those who “have done admirable things in the county,” Knox County Commissioner Bill Pursel said.
“Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart … What a way to represent the city of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Middle School and your family, I couldn’t be happier,” VSO Commissioner Wilson Warner said.
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