ALABASTER – During the week before Veterans Day, students in preschool through the third grade at Creek View and Meadow View Elementary Schools have spent time honoring local veterans in the Alabaster Community.

On the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 8, CVES students gathered in the school’s cafeteria to listen to the third-grade choir sing an array of patriotic songs, including the National Anthem, the Alabama State Song and the official song of each branch of the U.S. military.

During the performance, the names and photos of students’ and teacher’s relatives who served were included in a slideshow. Prior to the event, Cole said the choir met once a week to prepare.

“It’s very important for us to pause and reflect on our freedoms and think about the men and women who have served our country,” CVES Principal Charissa Cole said.

Cole said the purpose of the program, which has been held annually for years, was to instill an appreciation in each student for military personnel.

“It teaches them what Veterans Day is all about and why we celebrate it. It also teaches them what each branch of service is,” Cole said. “I’m grateful that we’re able to do this as a school to reflect on our freedom.”

A similar program was held at MVES on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 9. MVES Assistant Principal Taylar Posey said the program encouraged students to be thankful for the sacrifices that military personnel and veterans have made for this country.

“It makes them more aware of our veterans and those who are currently serving,” Posey said.

Posey thanked MVES music teacher Dennis Jones, who directed a performance from the MVES choir. The choir sang the National Anthem and anthem of each military branch, among other songs and was accompanied by the University of Montevallo clarinet choir.

“Mr. Jones does a great job of getting them to sing songs that help them that are educational, but they’re still entertaining,” Posey said.