By Laura Prissy Scott

As the school band played the Armed Forces Medley, Veterans entered a student filled gymnasium through a canopy of swords and flags held by JROTC students for the Veterans Day Program at Natchitoches Central High School Nov. 11. Senior Class President Sayla Baker gave the invocation, followed by the JROTC Color Guard’s presentation of colors. Meredith Phelps, SGO president, lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Principal Bill Gordy welcomed the patriotic crowd of visitors and students. Next, the Choir sang The Star Spangled Banner to the tunes played by the school orchestra. A slideshow honoring NCHS alumni veterans was one of the main highlights of the program.

Keynote speaker, Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and State Representative Kenny Cox, delivered an inspirational message that “we are all Americans.”

With tear filled eyes Librarian Cynthia Johnson described the ceremony as a “moving experience—the band, orchestra, choir, Glee Club, Maroon Line, and cheerleaders all gave phenomenal performances in honor of our veterans.”