Mackenzie Martin

Mackenzie Martin has been named by the United Veterans Council of Jamestown as this year’s Miss Veterans Poppy.

She is the daughter of Justin and Nicole Martin of Frewsburg. Being the daughter of U.S. Army veteran Justin Martin, Mackenzie knows exactly what Memorial Day is all about. Her father served three tours in Iraq and was stationed at Fort Drum.

She submitted her essay explaining that although very little when her father was deployed, she remembers wondering when her father would return home or if he would return at all. Explaining that Memorial Day is a day to remember the soldiers that died fighting for peace, civil rights and the freedoms that Americans like her enjoy every day.

“Soldiers that signed up knowing that they may never see their parents, wives or children ever again ended up making the ultimate sacrifice and it is the least that we as Americans can do, is remember and honor our fallen veterans,” Mackenzie said.

Mackenzie, a member of the Student Council as well as a soccer, basketball and softball player, attends Frewsburg Central School in the seventh grade. She is involved with her community by helping Blue Star Mothers to pack boxes to send to troops overseas. In her spare time, she loves to craft and make cards.

Mackenzie will represent the United Veterans Council of Jamestown in the parade and at the cemetery service where she will present a wreath in remembrance of our fallen veterans.