By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com 

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — World War II Navy Veteran E.C. Samples was one of four World War II Veterans recognized at the annual Veteran’s Day program held at Fort Payne High School. 

Veterans from all branches of service were present for the annual event. Students and faculty wore red, white and blue shirts to show support to local veterans for the price they paid for the freedom we enjoy. Thanks to Principal Brian Jett, ROTC Col. Walker, FPHS Band and Mayor Larry Chesser for this patriotic event for the community. 

Here is a list of community events honoring our veterans in DeKalb County: 

• Monday, November 11 at 10am, a Veterans Day Celebration will be held in the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in Rainsville. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill will be the guest speaker.
• Tuesday, November 12 beginning at 5pm, the City of Fort Payne will host their Annual Veterans Parade. The parade route will begin at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Building and run to 3rd Street South. 

Southern Torch would like to thank all the men and women in DeKalb County and across America who have served this country in all branches of the military. Your dedication and bravery will always be cherished and your service will never be forgotten. 

Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause. — Abraham Lincoln