Veterans chat before the program begins November 11, 1999. Photo: Regina Headden
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Central HS: A Salute to Morgan County Veterans
A long-standing tradition at Central High School in
Wartburg, Tennessee, was revived on November 11, 1999, when
students offered a Salute to Morgan County Veterans in a
celebration honoring local veterans serving in World War II, Korea,
Vietnam, the Gulf War, as well as in peace time. For many years,
students were called to the gym on November 11 take part in a
program honoring veterans presented by members of the American
Legion, but this tradition faded away in the early 90s. Taking a
cue from former Central High students who had been very moved as
they heard stories from the veterans, a Central High teacher, Jean
Carson, revived the tradition in 1999 -- except that, this time,
the Central High students, not the American Legion, researched
planned, organized and delivered the program before a gym packed
with students, faculty, community members, and veterans. Students
read poems with patriotic themes, and the choir and band provided
inspirational and patriotic music between the readings. Two
veterans, one who had been part of the D-Day invasion and Battle of
the Bulge in WWII, addressed the assembly. Veterans and visitors
were given a booklet with names of all those who had served the in
the military from Morgan County, and they viewed exhibits of
service uniforms dating back to World War I, books, medals, photos,
and confiscated enemy materials. The program helped to connect two
distant generations of Morgan Countians, as students and veterans
shared stories, and the older generation provided positive words
and encouragement to the students, urging them to take advantage of
the educational opportunities offered them. Building on the success
of this Veterans' Day program, the students and faculty plan to
carry on the tradition in years to come.
Project materials, all student-produced, include an
11-page report, 13 photographs, a program, and a booklet entitled
"A Salute to Morgan County Veterans."
Originally submitted by: Zach Wamp, Representative (3rd District).
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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.
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