By Briana Harris / Staff Writer

PELHAM – Retired Army Staff Sgt. Chris Carpenter explained to students what it means to be a veteran during a ceremony for fifth graders at Pelham Oaks Elementary on Thursday, Nov. 10.

He explained that a veteran can be a next door neighbor, someone who goes to your church, a firefighter or a police officer. Regardless of what branch someone in the military served in, Carpenter said they all uphold the principles of honor, duty and courage.

“As you grow up, remember veterans and what they stand for,” Carpenter said. “One day when you all grow up and finish high school, you might answer that call, join the military and become a veteran just like one of us.”

But even for those who never join the military, Carpenter challenged them to have the same qualities of those who serve in the military.

Pelham Ridge Elementary hosted a similar program on Nov. 10 for third through fifth grade students. American Legion Post 555 spoke to students and taught them how to properly fold an American flag.

Students at each school honored relatives and family friends who are veterans by recognizing them and presenting them with an American flag.

During each school’s event, the students led the program. Pelham Oaks teacher Christina Holman said the idea was to give students responsibilities in the program to promote leadership.

Pelham and Alabaster’s Thompson high school students also participated in a Veteran’s Day event presented by American Legion Post 555 at Texas Roadhouse in Pelham on Friday, Nov. 11.

Pelham High School’s choir sang the national anthem while Thompson’s JROTC presented the colors.

Pelham High School’s choir sang the national anthem while Thompson’s JROTC presented the colors. During the ceremony, Post 555 recognized the veterans in attendance and explained the significance of the prisoners of war/missing in action table on display at the ceremony. The table is set in memory of fallen, missing or imprisoned military service-members.

Texas Roadhouse offered free lunch to veterans and active duty military from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Veterans Day.