By MARY BAILEY The Reporter
Ronald Reagan once said, “Those who say that we’re in a time when there are not heroes, they just don’t know where to look.”
Heroes can be found this week all over Marshall County as many schools across the county held their Veterans Day Programs and honored those who have served and also those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
On Thursday, Boaz High School honored local and past Veterans connected to BHS faculty, staff and students.
Student Council member Velvie Smith introduced special guest speaker Colonel West Whitmire, a 1988 graduate of Boaz High School who enlisted in the Army in May 1989.
Colonel Whitmire received his commission from the Army’s Officer Candidate School on August 20, 1995.
“Thank you for having our Marshall County JROTC to present the colors and thank you for having me today,” Col. Whitmire said. “I just want to impress upon you the magnitude of military service. Many people wonder if the young people of today have what it takes to overcome the challenges of the future. I believe they do as evidence of these JROTC cadets that are sitting in the back and the millions of others just like you all over the country. The challenge is really for us middle aged and older folks. We need to educate and mentor the young regarding the importance of self service and sacrifice to our nation.”
Albertville High School held their program titled, “Courage,” Friday morning in the Fine Arts Center.
Their patriotic prelude included the National Anthem and Armed Forces Medley performed by VocalEase.
Albertville High School graduate, 2nd Lieutenant Dakota Abbott, was the special guest speaker.
“Good morning, Aggies! I just want to thank you and the administration for having me here today. For the opportunity to speak 14 years after graduating from here. I hope what I have to say piques your interest and gives you something exciting to hear,” Lieutenant Abbott said during the program. “Since 1918, over 600,000 US service members have lost their lives fighting for our freedom. That number is so astronomical to me. Did you know that that is more than the population of the state of Wyoming right now? It’s just mind blowing. It just means so much to me that people were willing to go before all of us and fight so we could live the lives we live without ever meting us. And that says a lot about their character.”
Their program concluded with the playing of “Taps” by AHS Senior, Jordan Cook.
The 32nd Veterans Day Program at Douglas High School, also held on Friday morning was one for the books.
Walking inside the Lloyd Berry Gymnasium you were greeted by the American Flag made out of hundreds of red, white and blue toy soldiers, a backdrop and figurine stand of “In Flanders Fields” and a prepared table with empty chairs made in remembrance of the soldiers who never made it back home.
The day started early with the registering of veterans and their guests as they were provided with breakfast in the DHS lunchroom.
The Veterans Day Celebration, “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service” was over 90 minutes of celebrating and expressing thanks to the veterans who sacrificed foe thew lives we have today.
Bagpipes were played by Donald Neil to begins the ceremony and the Douglas High School Choir and former choir students sang for each branch of military.
The day concluded with lunch for the veterans.
Rebecca K. Walker, or better known to all in the community as “Bwok” has put the celebration together for over 30 years.
“I love America, the land of the free Because of the brave. Sounds cheesy I know but I am so thankful for the men and women of our military who have and continue to protect our country. I always wanted this program to be a “thank you” for their courage and bravery. I love America and I love them. What they went through for me to be able to have the freedom we all enjoy is priceless. They are my Super Bowl Champions. God bless America and God bless them.”
