Clanton Middle School held its annual Veterans Day Program Friday morning in the school’s gym.

The theme of this year’s program was“ Celebrating Our Veterans: Patriotism and the United States Flag.”

Students spoke about various topics including the United States Flag, the importance of patriotism, and what makes an individual an American.

Boy Scout Troop No. 57 led the Presentation of the Colors, and the CMS Choir serenaded the audience with several patriotic songs.

Students also honored the veterans with a standing ovation.

Lt. Col. Samuel B. Hayes was the guest speaker for the event.

Hayes is currently assigned to the 226nd Combat Communications Group in Montgomery as a Cyber Operations Officer.

Hayes enlisted in the Alabama National Guard in 1986 as an electrical power production apprentice in the 280th Combat Communications Squadron.

He later cross-trained into communications electronics where he served as a traditional and full-time guardsman.

Hayes spoke to the students about the difference in a nation and a country.

“A nation is a large group of people who share a common language, culture, ethnicity, descent or history,” Hayes said. “A celebration such as Veterans Day is something that brings us together as a nation. It is the nation that men and women wear uniforms for.”

Hayes told the students they were the next generation for the country, and stressed core beliefs to stand behind such as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Hayes resides in Clanton and is married to Tammy Hayes.

They are the parents of Sam Jr. and Madeline.

CMS Principal Donny Finlayson offered closing comments during the program, and thanked the veterans for their service.

“We are proud to honor the men and women who served our country,” Finlayson said.

“Behind each veteran is a family who sacrificed so much in their lives so their loved ones could serve and protect our country. We want to thank all of the veterans today and their families.”