Veterans, active-duty military personnel, students and the public filled the gym at Todd County Central High School Friday morning to honor those who have served at their annual Veterans Day program.
Veterans from Todd County had breakfast at the school and then followed the 101st Airborne Honor Guard in marching to their seats of honor.
Two 101st leaders—Command Sgt. Maj. Ryan Jeffers and Major Christopher Cummings—were the key note speakers and told their stories of how they came to serve.
Sgt. Maj. Jeffers talked about growing up in a military household and his realization that military families had already long understood service and patriotism when the country united behind the armed forces following the September 11, 2001 attacks on America.
School Principal Lee Quarles noted that it has been the men and women of the military who have freed and kept so many free across the world.
He quoted Lincoln in remembering that many service members have died over the last 250 years defending that freedom.
Students Brooklyn Alder and Lucy Cumbee presented The Missing Soldier Table to remember families who are without their loved one because of their service and Chessany Artist and Natalie Shemwell sang the Star Spangled Banner.
