Veterans both young and old were honored during the annual Chilton County Veterans Day program, which was held Nov. 11 at Senior Connection.

Retired Col. Bryant E. Morgan of the United States Army was the guest speaker during the ceremony.

He talked about how important it is to honor and show respect to the men and women who serve and have served in the military.

According to Morgan, it is important to stand for the nation anthem and Pledge of Allegiance as a sign of respect for those who fought for the nation’s freedom and in some cases sacrificed their lives.

“The most important ones to remember are those that didn’t come home,” said Jerry Grooms, master of ceremonies.

Veterans Day takes place every year at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, which marks the time that the armistice was signed officially ending World War I nearly 100 years ago.

“We need to look out for our veterans,” Morgan said.

The various wars and conflicts that the United States has been involved in over the years were announced and those veterans in attendance that served during that time stood up and were recognized.

Vietnam veteran and Verbena native Johnny Mims was on hand for the ceremony and appreciates anything that highlights the sacrifice that military members and their families go through.

According to Mims, he has received more positive comments and thanks from people in recent years than he did when he first came back home decades ago.

“When we [soldiers] came back [from Vietnam] we didn’t receive all the good stuff,” Mims said. “It was a long time coming, but it’s never too late.”

Mims served in the Navy and was a part of three tours during the Vietnam War. He suffers from PTSD and hearing loss, as a result.

According to Mims, one of the members of his former unit called the other day to catch up. He had not talked to him in decades, but knew his voice as soon as he picked up the phone.

“There’s a brotherhood that is built in the military,” Mims said.

Girl Scout troops from the county led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Terri Scott Morgan sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Clanton Middle School Choir was also on hand, and added to the patriotic theme with several songs, including “America the Beautiful” and a war timeline rap that involved many solo performances.