Veteran’s Day ceremony focuses on service, sacrifice and honor at IAHS
FULTON, MISS. (WCBI) – With flags waving to a backdrop of patriotic music, Hundreds packed into the IAHS gym for the school’s annual Veteran’s Day program. It was an opportunity to pay tribute to active duty military personnel and veterans.
And at the podium as the keynote speaker was Marine Corps Veteran Pete McMurray. For McMurray, it was also a homecoming of sorts. He served as principal at IAHS from 1994 through 2005.
“I love Fulton and I love Itawamba High School,” McMurray said.
McMurray encouraged the students to never take for granted the freedoms they enjoy as citizens of the USA. He also spoke on the importance of supporting and maintaining a strong national defense.
” First thing that comes to mind is to keep us safe, to maintain the lifestyle and freedoms we have, freedoms everyone wants, and to maintain that,” McMurray said.
There were many former teachers on hand who worked with McMurray. Lori Holland recalls one time when McMurray put his training and skills he learned as a Marine into action.
“We had a pretty bad fight, which didn’t happen a lot, but we all saw, Pete McMurray spring into action and jump into that mosh pit of students, and everyone here during that time remembers that,” Holland said.
Students with the IAHS chapter of Club America helped organize the emcee the Veteran’s Day Ceremony. They say there are many reasons to be proud of the nation, and those , like Pete McMurray, who have served and sacrificed.
“They have done so much for our country, and to honor him, it is fun,” said IAHS Senior Abri Alexander.
“There is nothing wrong with being proud of where you are from, whether it is your town or your country, people have given so much so we can have our freedoms,” said IAHS Senior Paden Wilson.
The Pride of Itawamba Band and the IAHS Choir also took part in the veteran’s day program.
A reception was held for McMurray, veterans and other guests after the program
