Video: Patriotism, Pride In America Emphasized At Veterans Day Celebration

NETTLETON, MISS. (WCBI) – North Mississippians join people across the state and the nation honoring those who have sacrificed for the United States.
One of the largest Veterans Day celebrations in our area takes place each year in Nettleton.

The Veteran’s Day celebration begins with a parade, high school band students and, of course, those who have served.

Afterwards students and guests fill the school’s gym to hear from Congressman Trent Kelly. He spent more than 30 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard. Kelly says he has a simple message for the crowd.

“All those guys and girls raised their hands and said send me into harm’s way to serve this great country, so it’s just a thank you to all those who have served and the families who serve right along beside them,” said Cong. Kelly.

The annual celebration recognizes veterans from each branch of the Armed Forces and features patriotic music.

Nettleton High’s student leaders lead the annual ceremony. They hope younger students take away a sense of pride and appreciation for our nation’s veterans.

“I hope the younger kids realize that the importance of the people who did risk their lives for us,” said NHS Senior Trey O’Neal.

“I want them to realize how important veterans really are and how important this day is and how they don’t need to take this for granted,” said NHS Senior Madison Dabbs.

“I believe the younger children should honor this day and realize how important it is, some of these veterans go without the credit they deserve and this program helps them be rewarded for the things they have done for us and our country,” said NHS Senior Madison Shumpert.

This truly is a community effort, after the ceremony at the school, veterans and their families come to the Christian Life Center at First United Methodist Church for a luncheon. It’s one small way of honoring those who have served and the men and women who are currently defending our nation’s freedoms.

Veterans Day falls this year on Saturday, but it is observed today with the closing of all government offices nationwide.