Neelyville High School took time to honor veterans Thursday during a Stars & Stripes Honoring Our Veterans Ceremony which was held in the Neelyville High School Gymnasium.
During the event students, staff and area residents took the opportunity to show their appreciation and respect for the service and dedication of the veterans in attendance.
A table was set up in remembrance of two Neelyville Alumni who gave the ultimate sacrifice, Scott Edward Bryan and James Damon Creach, who were later in the ceremony honored by a memorial presentation and the song “I Won’t Let Go.”
The ceremony began with an introduction of the veterans and their military branches. Students ushered each veteran to a special seating area before beginning the presentation. The Honor Guard presented colors, followed by the singing of the national anthem, which was led by Brittney Williams, Julie Cloud and Daniel Sexton.
“God Bless America” and “Oh, I Love America” were performed by students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Older students took the opportunity to read tributes and passages aloud to veterans and their families.
Superintendent Heather Black delivered closing remarks after the retiring of the colors, thanking the veterans for their service and those in attendance for taking the time to show their respect and appreciation for the service members.