Hartselle Junior High School holds annual Veterans Day program

The annual Veterans’ Day program was held at HJHS Nov 7.

The program is an annual tradition which began approximately 30 years ago under the leadership of Col. Frank Parker, a veteran and former principal of HJHS. Parker was in the audience at this year’s program.

Preparations for the Veterans’ Day program involved the entire student body days in advance of the event.

Students identified and mailed invitations to more than 375 veterans in the community and surrounding area.

Band and choral students prepared musical tributes that included the official songs of each military branch.

Students in English classes prepared essays expressing appreciation to veterans and honoring their sacrifice.

The program began with the procession of veterans into the assembly to be honored by the student body.

The HJHS Civil Air Patrol presented the colors.

The assembly stood as the HJHS ladies’ quintet sang an acapella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Student tributes were presented by William Richie, Lynnix Marcy, Katelyn Garner and Lennox Reeves recognizing veterans as a living representation of resilience, courage, integrity and service both during their time on active duty and through their contributions to the community in civilian life.

The flag of each branch of military service was displayed as the band and chorus presented each of the service songs and veterans were invited to stand when their branch of service was recognized.

Rev. Wally Blackman presented an address thanking veterans for their legacy of loyalty and service, and a moment of silence was observed in memory of veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect American freedom.

Tina Kimbrell, HJHS principal, presented Teresa Bailey with the Don Pouncy Freedom Award, named after another former HJHS principal who modeled servant leadership.

Bailey works in the front office at HJHS, and is herself a veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy as a logistical analyst.

The program ended with a faculty vocal ensemble leading the assembly in singing God Bless America.