MCC President Dr. Scott Elliott, left, with Ardra Govan, MCC NAS College Program coordinator and Sylvia Wirgau, MCC Veterans Affairs certifying official, during the plaque presentation at MCC's Veterans Day salute Thursday.

    The feelings of patriotism swelled when Meridian Community College hosted its Veterans Day salute – this time a day early – in the College’s Graham Gymnasium.

    “It’s great to be free – from sea to shining sea,” said Command Master Chief Sharon Laguna of Naval Air Station Meridian. Her words were just a few that were spoken to the college’s faculty, staff and the local community at the ceremony. “Shakespeare had it right,” said John Baxter, keynote speaker, who is a United States Air Force veteran and meteorologist with the U.S. National Weather Service, “Combat makes teammates.” He added, “Combat is the ultimate team activity.” He also noted that the greatest praise for veterans should be for those who did not return home.

    With the presentation of colors by the Northeast High School Junior ROTC and the musical selections by the MCC Chorus, under the direction of Twyla Hurst and Tammy Miles, and Mitch Brantley, MCC guitar instructor, the program also spotlighted the MCC veterans.

    In addition, it was announced that a world-wide distributed magazine has tapped MCC again as a 2011 Military Friendly Schools — an honor that salutes the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace American veterans.

    G.I. Jobs magazine, one of the country’s top 10 publishers for military information, tapped MCC for this recognition for the college’s commitment to playing an active role in supporting the educational needs of veterans and active-duty military and their families.

    The magazine serves as a tool designed to help veterans transition back into civilian life.

    A plaque from the magazine’s editors was unveiled during Thursday’s Veterans Day ceremonies. Soraya Welden, dean of student services, Sylvia Wirgau, MCC’s VA certifying official, and Ardra Govan, MCC NAS College Program coordinator, presented the plaque to MCC President Dr. Scott Elliott who in turn applauded the efforts of Wirgau and Govan.

    The plaque includes the sentence: “Your steadfast commitment to educating our great nation’s military veterans will enable the United States to prosper for generations to come.”

    “Only five Mississippi community colleges met the standards. MCC also earned the designation last year,” said Elliott.