Austin Middle School honors veterans
Nov. 7—The memories may have been from more than 50 years ago, but "Anchors Away" still brought out the emotions for Navy veteran Bob Russell at Austin Middle School's Veterans Day program on Wednesday morning.
As Austin Junior High's eighth grade concert band played the naval theme song and theme songs of the other military branches as part of "Armed Forces on Parade," Russell thought back not only about his service but also his family's service.
Russell was one of 14 military veterans honored during the school's annual Veterans Day program.
Drafted in 1972 during the Vietnam War, Russell enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served 10 years on a submarine as part of the country's nuclear program.
His father and two uncles served in World War II, with one uncle losing his life.
"I got a little emotional when they played 'Anchors Away' because of the memories, but I also enjoyed the other songs," Russell said.
Seventh grader Macie Chitwood said the program was a learning opportunity. It featured presentations like "What is Veterans Day?" by seventh grader Lucy Haughaboo, and "The American Flag" by seventh grader Ariah Luckett and sixth grader Kevin Saldana.
"I learned a lot about our veterans and how to respect veterans for what they did for our country," Chitwood said.
Both veterans and students were quick to mention how much they enjoyed the music by the eighth grade band and the Austin Middle School choir.
"The program was very well put-together," sixth grader Ian Madden said. "I loved the band and choir."
Madden said it's important to hold the annual program to honor the nation's military veterans "for what they've done for us. They allow us to live the life we do here in America."
Chitwood said the slide show honoring veterans "made me sad but grateful for what they've done for us."
Veteran Chris Fletcher, who served in the Special Forces for seven years and then worked on missile maintenance at Redstone Arsenal, said he enjoyed the program.
"It was wonderful," Fletcher said. "We really appreciate everybody who participated. The program was well done, especially the music."
Paul Butler served a decade in the U.S. Army starting in 1976. He said just getting recognized was an honor.
"The program itself was remarkable," Butler said. "The thing that stood out to me was the old pictures in the slide show. There were several old friends in those photos."
Butler said "Taps," played by band instructor Robbie Stout to end the program, was really touching.
"It's just the unspoken words," Butler said.
Veterans Day is officially recognized Nov. 11.
On Monday, the Morgan County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will kick off at 10 a.m. at the corner of North Bethel Road and Greenfield Drive in Priceville. The parade will end at the Morgan County Veterans Memorial, on Alabama 67, where a ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.
Also on Monday, Hartselle will hold a Veterans Day program at 10 a.m. on Railroad Street in front of the Depot, followed by a parade at 11 a.m. that starts on Railroad Street and continues down Main Street.
In Moulton, a Veterans Day Parade will be Monday at 6 p.m. at the Lions Club, 455 School St., Moulton.
The Athens Limestone County Veterans Day Parade will be Monday at 11 a.m. and will start at Athens High and end at the Athens-Limestone Public Library.
