Speaker at Lyons High School Veteran's Day Ceremony

The Veterans Day Ceremony was held at the LHS Auditorium on Monday, November 11, 2024.

Several people standing under a spotlight while holding swords

A spotlight focused on the POW/MIA table placed in the middle of the stage that was filled with symbolism.

Person standing next to a table under a spotlight meant to honor POW/MIA veteransPerson placing a hat on a table under a spotlight meant to honor POW/MIA veteransGuy playing a trumpet at the veterans ceremony

Lieutenant Colonel Russell B. Allen spoke at this ceremony. He is the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, for Lyons High’s AFJROTC.

Lieutenant Colonel Russell B. Allen speaking at the veterans day ceremony

After graduating from Kansas State University in 1997, Lieutenant Colonel Allen attended navigator training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, and Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. He has since served as an instructor and evaluator navigator in the E-3B/C and T-43A and as a Fire Control Office (FCO) in the AC-130U. He is a master navigator with more than 3,000 flight hours. He has held positions as an Assistant Operations Officer, Chief Mobility Officer for AFSOC’s largest squadron, Courseware and Syllabus manager for Combat Systems Officer training, and Commander of Smoky Hills Weapons Range. Prior to his assignment to Lyons High School, Lt Col Allen served as Deputy Commander 22nd Mission Support Group, 22nd ARW, McConnell AFB, Kansas. He has three children Austen, Margaret, and Emma.

Cadets on stage continued the program with the flag-folding ceremony.

Cadets preparing for the flag folding ceremonyCadets preparing the flag for the folding ceremonyCadet holding folded flag

“For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded.”