Mt. Hermon School held its annual Veterans Day program on Monday in the school’s gymnasium.

Senior Beta Club member and master of ceremonies Hunter Chatman welcomed everyone. A slideshow presentation accompanied the processional as Karla Martin presented the guest veterans to the student body and guests.

Following the pledge and prayer by Martin, and the national anthem sung by Taylor Williamson, Lindsey Yates shared the history of Veterans Day.

Coach Wiltz Roberts paid tribute to the small town soldier, as he read an original poem he wrote honoring his father.

A video of Staff Sgt. James “Jamie” Stewart, a member of the 205th Engineering Battalion of Bogalusa and currently deployed to Kuwait, was shown on a large screen, with his wife, children and in-laws among those who enjoyed his tribute to his family, veterans and his country.

Hanna Whaley then introduced the featured speaker, Spec. E-4 Walter Simpson of Kentwood, who shared some of his deployment experiences as well as words of tribute and encouragement.

The Junior and Senior Beta Club members presented guest veterans with a certificate and a token of appreciation for their participation in the program.

The program concluded with closing remarks by Principal Debra Byrd, and the playing of taps in memory of fallen soldiers, including Malcolm Wascom, a respected member of the Mt. Hermon community who recently passed away, and Larry Wells, a Mt. Hermon alumni who was killed on active duty in Najaf, Iraq, nine years ago.

A reception and time of fellowship followed in the school library.