Veterans Program in Ackerman

ACKERMAN, Miss. (WCBI)- Veterans Day was yesterday, but many people across the state are honoring service men and women today.

The dreary weather couldn’t keep veterans away from Choctaw County High school.

Students joined the program to show their support and to learn from those who’ve served.

“This is probably an overused word, but it’s an honor,” said retired Master Sergeant Tony Ballard.

Choctaw County high schoolers took a break from class to honor those who serve.

“The main reason that we had today’s event of course not only honor the veterans but at the same time we want to make it educational for students and give them a chance for participation,” said Ballard.

This year, police chief Tim Cook spoke at the event and says he is thankful to be a part of the program.

“This was my first time actually being in the Veterans Day program but not only being a chief I served for 21 years, so that really means a lot to me,” said Cook.

For the students, an event like this gives them insight into the military world.

“They’re getting to be at the age now where they’re getting to where they can make a decision to join the military and They also have family friends that served, and they just see what they went through,” said Cook.

Student Julius Buggs says the program reminds people of the struggles service members go through and the sacrifices they make.

“It means everything cause you know a lot of people don’t realize how much the military does for us everybody saying that it makes people appreciate it more,” said Buggs.

The event comes one day after the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. But it serves to honor all veterans who have served then and now.

“It just lets the veterans know that the general public still supports them and they appreciate what they did for this nation because if they hadn’t served whether it be cold war or during a war or whatever we wouldn’t be in this classroom playing Stars & Stripes Forever,” said Ballard.

The annual event is sponsored by VFW Post 5569.