Duran Junior High School students recognized and honored those who served to protect our freedom at a special Veteran’s Day Program.

“We’re here to remember and honor our veterans,” Duran Junior High School SGA President Jace Powell said. “We cannot forget their sacrifices for us.”

About 30 veterans attended the program and were greeted with thanks for their service to their country. There was also a pancake breakfast hosted by the Pell City High School Key Club in the Center of Education and Performing Arts for the veterans. The PCHS Key Club is sponsored by Emile Milam.

Captain Jeffrey D. Wilson was the guest speaker.

“We’re here today to honor our heroes and to thank them for their sacrifices,” Wilson said.

Wilson is a pastor and Army Reserve Officer who is a Staff Officer. As a Staff Officer, he provides person-to-person career management. He offers career counseling, assists with assignments and helps educate soldiers in the Individual Ready Reserve on potential opportunities available within the Army Reserve.

The Pell City High School honor guard opened the program by presenting the colors, under the direction of Sergeant Richard Agknew. The Duran Jr. High choir, under the direction of Nate Burch, and band, under the direction of Sara Freeman, performed patriotic songs during the event.

SGA Vice President Adalyn Gilley shared the History of Veteran’s Da while SGA Secretary Piper Mitcham delivered a devotional reading. Kenzy Atkinson, SGA treasurer, provided a poetry reading.