School programs, parade to mark Veterans Day

Area students will have a chance to express their gratitude to past and present military personnel Tuesday during Veterans Day programs in local schools.

While past programs have focused on veterans only, this year school officials say they also plan to emphasize the men and women involved in the war on terrorism.

"This gives our students a new perspective on America," said Julia Howes Jorgensen, Central High School's librarian who has organized the school's tribute to veterans for the past nine years.

"Many of our students don't have family members in the military, so they don't understand about the sacrifices," Jorgensen said. "But when they see a veteran say the pledge of allegiance, it makes a difference."

Central High School's tribute to veterans begins at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Tiger Field House at 1000 S. Silver Springs Road. A reception in the library will follow.

The tribute will also feature recognition of Jeffrey Edmundson, a 2002 Central graduate who joined the U.S. Navy and died in July 2003 in San Diego.

Assistant superintendent Dr. Rita Fisher said Jackson High School's program will begin at 9 a.m. in the school auditorium.

The program will feature performances by the high school choir and speech and drama clubs. A reception will follow in the school cafeteria.

Jackson's high school band, along with bands from Delta and Oak Ridge schools, will participate in a parade honoring veterans at 5 p.m. Tuesday in uptown Jackson.