By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Meadow View Elementary School’s packed auditorium burst into applause when the about 20 veterans in the crowd stood to be recognized.

“Veterans, we are honored to have you here today,” MVES music teacher Dennis Jones said during the school’s Veterans Day program on Nov. 7. “I hope we have conveyed to you our appreciation for your service to our country.”

During the ceremony, which came a few days before Veterans Day on Nov. 11, several local musical groups performed a plethora of patriotic tunes to honor those who have served our country throughout the generations.

“You are in for a real treat today,” MVES Assistant Principal Charissa Cole said before the performances. “The students have put in a lot of time and work to prepare for today.”

The ceremony included a performance by the University of Montevallo Clarinet Choir, which played the John Philip Sousa classics “Liberty Bell” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

The Thompson High School Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before the Meadow View Singers took the stage to perform “The Star Spangled Banner.”

The Meadow View Singers also performed “You are our Heroes,” “Our Heroes Will Live On,” “America,” “Bless our Troops” and “Americans We” before inviting the veterans in the audience to stand for recognition.

Between the Meadow View Singers’ songs, several students spoke while outlining significant events in America’s history and the sacrifices many of the nation’s troops have made to preserve the United States’ freedom.

Student speakers included Chloe Brand, Gracie Brewer, Jack Coleman, Georgia Cousins, Dylan Fender, Amelia Forrester, Gabe Hilyer, Erica Lopez, Kylie Martin, DJ Massey, Darwin Meza, Chloe Patrick, Makayla Ragland, Suzette Ramirez, Lacie Rastelli, Kaydence Smith, Colin Stewart, Joi Marie Taylor, Kelby Taylor and Isaac Theuri.