LOG MOUNTAIN — Area war veterans were honored with a lavish tribute at Bell County High School (BCHS) on Veterans Day. “Celebrate America 2009” filled the auditorium with students from all over the Bell County School District, as well as veterans and their families.

“Beyond... science and social studies, there are very important things called ‘citizenship’ and ‘patriotism’,” said Bell County Schools Superintendent George Thompson in his opening remarks. “With this program, we basically [stop] every year and make a promise to our veterans... that we will never ever take for granted the freedom that we live with everyday in America.”

The annual event was produced by and featured the Bell County High School Choirs. Each song included a skit by various students. The choir sang many patriotic numbers, including “This Land Is Your Land/We Are The Future of America,” “The Star Spangled Banner,” and “God Bless The USA.”

While introducing the high school’s Exhibition Drill Team, Sgt. Lance Hunt asked that everyone remember the three ROTC members who died en route to march in the Middlesboro Christmas Parade. Hunt said that two of the cadets who died would likely have been performing Wednesday with the team.

“It seems fitting today to take a moment to remember the cadets who could not be with us today,” said Hunt.

Guest speaker and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Major Tamara Hurst took a minute to summarize why Veterans’ Day events are so important.

“This community for many years has set this day in honor of our veterans,” said Hurst. “In doing so, you are carrying on one of the many high traditions of which we are proud. We pause momentarily to reflect on the many noble deeds of our veterans. They helped establish the glorious history of our country. And we, today, are here to reap the rewards of their steadfast loyalty.”

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.