North Jefferson News, Gardendale, AL

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November 11, 2009

Mortimer Jordan honors area veterans

In a moving tribute on Monday, Mortimer Jordan High School’s career tech and FBLA programs sponsored a Veterans Day ceremony at the school.

Several area veterans attended the event from all branches of the military.

After a short welcome speech by principal Barbara Snider, members of the Marine Corps presented the colors.

FBLA president Heidi Cooke led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the playing of the National Anthem by the Mortimer Jordan HIgh School band, led by director Craig Cagle.

Also participating was the Mortimer Jordan Chamber Choir, directed by Margaret Heron.

Harold Jarvis was the guest speaker, talking about his experiences at Iwo Jima.

Also speaking were two Mortimer Jordan teachers who are U.S. Army veterans - Dale Johnson and John Recke.

The most moving visual portion of the program was a re-enactment of the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima, by the Howlin’ Mad Smith Detachment of the United States Marine Corps.

The re-enactment depicted Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photo of the event, which took place on Feb. 23, 1945. The raising of the flag was actually a replacement of a smaller flag put at the spot on Mt. Suribachi earlier that day.

Following the re-enactment, Caleb Jeffers and Gage Johnsey of the Marine Corps League played Taps.

On Monday, Corner High School hosted a Veterans Day ceremony. North Jefferson Middle School had a Veterans Day program on Tuesday.

The 15th annual Veterans Day ceremony hosted by VFW Post 10250 and American Legion Post 255 will be held today, 10 a.m., at Veterans Memorial Park in Fultondale.

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