Veterans honored at Bennett’s Mill

Schools around the county honored their community’s veterans with a variety of meaningful programs that featured patriotic music, literary readings and speeches.

Bennett’s Mill Middle was packed on Veterans Day with both active and retired service members from all branches of the military. Continuing a tradition that began with the opening of the school, the music department, which includes the symphonic band, orchestra and chorus, gave an impressive combined performance of patriotic selections.

Veterans in attendance were recognized individually by their branch of the U.S. armed forces during the music department’s combined performance of “Salute to the Services,” a composition that incorporates all of the service songs.

The Army Junior ROTC Color Guard at Fayette County High presented the colors; the guest speaker for the program was Lt. Col. Keith Hayes of the U.S. Army, husband of the school’s front office secretary, Kimya Hayes. He spoke to students about how Veterans Day came to exist, and what the day means to the thousands of men and women who have served, and are serving, in the nation’s military. He also shared some stories of great sacrifice and heroism that he witnessed while serving in Afghanistan.

Support of the Wounded Warrior Project is also part of Bennett’s Mill’s annual Veterans Day celebration. Each year the school’s student government organizes a fund drive to benefit the cause. This year the school is donating over $600 to Wounded Warriors, which provides assistance to injured soldiers and their families.