Honoring those who served

By Staff
World War II veterans receive Freedom Award
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
World War II veterans representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps were singled out for special recognition at Hartselle Junior High School’s annual Veterans Day Observance Nov. 8. They were named co-recipients of the John Frank Parker Freedom Award. To commemorate the honor, each one of the 29 World War II veterans present was pinned with a miniature American flag.
The award was presented by Pat McCreless, a retired HJHS teacher who received the Freedom Award in 2006.
The program attracted more than 250 veterans from all branches of the armed forces, with service performed both in wartime and peacetime over the past 60 years.
He directed his attention to the students as he concluded his remarks.
Greg Screws, news anchor for WHNT Channel 31 in Huntsville, served as emcee.
The school band played the processional, “Star Spangled Banner and the Armed Forces salute e. The chorus sang “America The Beautiful.”
Ali Staudt, Student Council president, led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the welcome. Student tributes were read by Nich Heaven, Carly Maynard, Alex Pettey, Megan Smith and Brandon Long. Todd Gibson played taps.
The HJHS Sign Language Club concluded the program with its rendition of “There She Stands.”