Anniston students learn the meaning of freedom during Veterans Day program

Nov. 10—Anniston High School was full of patriotic thank yous Thursday morning for the annual Veterans Day program.

The program — saluting the men and women of the Armed Forces who have served our country — was held in the school's auditorium, which was decorated in red, white and blue that provided a patriotic backdrop for various speakers and musical tributes.

Before she addressed the hundreds of students, keynote speaker Tion Wright, a student at Jacksonville State University, said she is not only speaking to the students but veterans who attended the program.

"I do what I do for the people before and the people after me, and to me they're the people who are after me (referring to the students) and I hope that they can one day do the same thing that I'm doing," she said.

When Wright took to the podium she stressed the benefits of being in the National Guard.

"I have received a lot of benefits from the National Guard, it definitely has helped pay for school," Wright said.

Wright said when she was in the JROTC at nearby Vincent High School she studied a lot and participated in community service.

"For me service is giving what we cherish for others," Wright said, "I joined to serve and I've given a lot of my time but I know it's worth it especially the people who are in front of me and the people behind me."

Wright then doubled down on thanking veterans.

"For those who are retired from serving, thank you for your sacrifice, for your commitment in everything you do for our country," She said.

Wright told the crowd if they see a veteran to remember to thank them for their service, for their sacrifice and their courage.

"Remember to thank those that are currently serving and those who are away from their families, it's not easy to do what we do but we do it," she said.

Next to speak was Chris Holmes who has served four years in the Army and six in the National Guard.

"As far as Veterans Day for me, it's a blessing to me, I didn't have to serve but I wanted to serve," she said.

"For me, being in the military has been everything, I joined two days before my 21st birthday so today is my Army anniversary. If I would have stayed in I'd be in for about 17 years now," Holmes said.

"For me, this is not an easy job, the military will take a lot, but it also gives and it's a wonderful thing, if you want to join it, hey, go for it," she said.

Holmes retired as a sergeant and is now the president of the JSU Student Veterans of America.

Before the program when asked if she would do it all over again Holmes quipped, "Where's the pen?"

1st Seg. Randy Serna, Anniston High's JROTC instructor, encouraged students to understand the meaning of freedom.

"Freedom means a lot of different things for a lot of people. On Nov. 11, on the 11th day, the 11th hour, the president of the United States considers this day a national holiday," Serna said.

Serna spoke about a battle overseas when the Army fought a long battle against the Taliban.

"They fought all night long, they fought so much that they ran out of rounds, and so they had to fight hand-to-hand at some point. I've been to that place," Serna said, "If you want to know what freedom is, go to one of those countries and you will come back thankful and and you're glad that you live in the United States of America."

Serna encouraged everyone to thank a veteran.

Both the Anniston High band and choir performed such patriotic melodies as Proud To Be An American and America The Beautiful.

Staff writer Bill Wilson: 256-235-3562. On Twitter @bwilson_star.