Photos by Rachel Howard

A processional of veterans from every branch of the military entered the gymnasium at Hartselle Junior High School Nov. 9 as the band played bars of “March On, America” and hundreds of attendees stood in silent honor. The annual Veterans Day program at Hartselle Junior High School welcomes the public to join in the day of celebration and honor. 

To begin the ceremonial event, Abraham Beecher lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before Miller Raab welcomed both the public, students, faculty and staff to the annual event.

The Hartselle Civil Air Patrol, under the direction of Col. Brian Williams, presented the service flags and the colors in formation.

The title of this year’s program was Honor the Courage; Bill Raab was the featured speaker on the importance of showing honor to veterans followed by the HJHS Chorus performance of “Homeward Bound.”

Men and women from the Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps – those who have served in nearly every conflict from present time back to the Korean War – were recognized and honored during the event.

HJHS students Porter Kusta, Beau Black and Elijah Gosnell led veteran tributes followed by a performed rendition of the official songs of each branch of the U.S. military, while veterans stood to raucous applause.

Photo by Rachel Howard