Veterans from Bangs and other communities were honored on Wednesday morning by students from Bangs Middle School and patriotic music performed by members of the Bangs High School Band.
Organizing the Veterans Day Celebration was Bangs 5th and 6th grade English teacher, Cillena Guthrie.
“For several years now, we have reached out into the community. We just want to honor the Veterans for their sacrifices that they’ve made. We have a Student Council that is elected each year and those kids take an active role in learning parts. We seem to be, sometimes, losing the idea of patriotism. We want to continue to instill that patriotism in our young people. The program is designed to, not only honor our Veterans, but to be a teachable moment for our young people,” Guthrie said.
The band performed America the Beautiful, National Anthem and the Armed Forces Medley for each branch of the military. Veterans in attendance stood and were applauded. Jackson Light also performed Taps in remembrance of fallen heroes.
Bangs students who have committed to joining the military in 2021 made their way to the stage and were honored by the audience.
Students who had parts in the program included Neeley Bradley, Gentry Shepard, Kason Klutts, Kasey Solis, Cason Tidwell, Aubrey Martin, Serena Baker, Karli Gordon, Jalynn Carrillo, Jalynn Gotcher, Charlie Smith and Justice Baker.
Veterans and guests gathered after the program and enjoyed refreshments in the school lunchroom.