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BY NIC MILLER
STAR STAFF
nic.miller@elizabethton.com

Hampton High School honored veterans with a program on Thursday.

“This freedom that we enjoy on a daily basis could only be possible with these men and women here today,” said Principal Jeff Bradley. “Never forget that freedom is not free, as someone had to pay the price for that freedom at some point in time. And that someone is the brave men and women who have served our country.”

Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby spoke during the ceremony. “To all those who have served and continue to serve, let me first say thank you for your bravery and service. President Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation in 1954, asking all citizens to join hands and pay homage to all veterans who have contributed to the preservation of this nation.

“Our nation has much to be grateful for, as America’s veterans have fought to defend our country, its values and interests since the first day of our founding. From colonial patriots all the way to those serving today, the brave men and women of our armed forces have secured the freedom at home and abroad,” Woodby said.

The ceremony consisted of a tribute by the Hampton High School band, who played a rendition of the “Armed Forces Medley,” a tune that honors all six branches of the United States military. Several members of the military were in attendance.

Along with the performances, there were several touching tributes performed by veterans such as the Missing Man Table by Army veteran Randy Lingerfelt and Navy veteran Tom Fenner, as well as poems like “Old Glory” performed by Army veteran Irene Batchelder and “In Flanders Field” performed by Air Force veteran Bill Kyte.

To cap off the ceremony, those in attendance were treated to a playing of Taps from Hampton High School Student Samantha Sexton.