David Barrios shows feeling to the signing of the final word in the song, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” | Clif Knight

The IRC music class at Hartselle High School held an audience spellbound with the presentation of its annual Veterans Day Celebration Wednesday morning.

The program was presented in the chorus room under the direction of IRC music directors Kate Dupuis and Connie Speegle and IRC director LeeAnne Pettey. IRC peer tutors Ashley Knight, Jarrett Manley and Heather Tilley assisted.

The audience consisted of parents, veterans and school staff.

David Barrios led the Pledge of Allegiance. Madelynn Chappell, Breanna Dempsey, Jacquez Robinson and Cheyenne Stapleton joined teacher Beth Bole in the singing of the national anthem.

James Horner recognized veterans from all branches of military service and tutors Heather Tilley and Ashley Knight gave a brief history of Veterans Day and read an essay entitled “What is Freedom,” respectively.

Breanna Dempsey and Cheyenne Stapleton read a poem entitled “Veterans Day” by Cheryl Dyson.

They were followed by the entire class signing the popular song, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

Guest speaker Paul Montgomery, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, told of returning to Vietnam twice since he served there as an Army advisor and finding signs of economic growth and development.

Montgomery made a point of thanking those left behind while their family members are serving in war.

“John Milton said, ‘They also serve who stand and wait,’” Montgomery pointed out. “That summarizes how I feel about those who are left behind to await the return of their husband, father or brother in uniform.

“I’d like to designate all of them as honorary veterans today,” he added.

A video of the IRC students expressing their own words of thanks to veterans was shown to conclude the program.

Refreshments were served to students and guests.