The state of Alabama once again showed its patriotic pride and its affection for those who serve in America’s armed forces.
As we take one last look back on Veterans Day 2016, celebrations small and large stand out.
Schools like Vance Elementary School and Lake View Elementary School in Tuscaloosa County held Veterans Day programs. American Legion Post 2011 in Lake View participated in both programs.
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
John Carroll Catholic High School held its second annual Veterans Day program. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
John Carroll Catholic High School held its second annual Veterans Day program. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
John Carroll Catholic High School held its second annual Veterans Day program. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
John Carroll Catholic High School held its second annual Veterans Day program. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
John Carroll Catholic High School held its second annual Veterans Day program. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
John Carroll Catholic High School held its second annual Veterans Day program. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
John Carroll Catholic High School held its second annual Veterans Day program. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
John Carroll Catholic High School held its second annual Veterans Day program. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
John Carroll Catholic High School held its second annual Veterans Day program. (Michael Tomberlin / Alabama NewsCenter)
Lake View Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Lake View Elementary School)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
Vance Elementary School held a Veterans Day program with participation from American Legion Post 2011. (Vance Elementary School)
“Veterans Day is a holiday where we honor those, young and old, who at one time proudly put on the uniform of one of our nation’s armed forces and committed to defending the United States of America with his or her life if necessary,” said Army Lt. Col. Michael Tomberlin, post adjutant with the Lake View American Legion Post 2011. “But every veteran would also tell you what makes them just as proud is seeing young people participate in this holiday in such meaningful ways. That encourages us all to know that love of country and appreciation for its veterans will continue for years to come.”
Bill Copeland, a veteran and current member of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, spoke to both schools, telling the students of Veterans Day’s Alabama roots.
At John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Henry “Trey” Obering III, retired Air Force lieutenant general and John Carroll alum, delivered the keynote on Veterans Day.
There have been many other events the past few days honoring veterans throughout the state.
Read more of our coverage here.