Montevallo Elementary School honored our nation’s veterans during a special ceremony held at the school on Friday, November 8.  Veterans in attendance were recongnized according to their branches of service when the program began, and then again individually with pins presented to them by Student Government Assocation representatives.

 U.S. Army Major Loren McAnally, who served as a pilot during Vietnam, was the keynote speaker for the event.  McAnally gave a brief overview on the history of Veteran’s Day, noting that it is a day set aside to honor living veterans, while Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor those who have died in service to the country.  McAnally also read a letter from President Barack Obama calling on all Americans to observe the holiday as a tribute to veterans. McAnally, who is actively involved with the Alabama National Cemetery, told those in attendance about Wreaths Across America, a group which honors fallen soliders by laying Christmas wreaths on their graves each December.  This year’s event is planned for December 14 and the Alabama National Cemetery is looking for individuals who are willing to sponsor wreaths for $15 each.  After each veteran was honored, the program concluded with a moment of silence and the playing of “Taps” by Gene Newman, a Marine veteran and member of Bugles Across America.