In school gyms and auditoriums across the county they gathered, young and old, teachers and students, parents and babes in arms. They were there for one reason and one reason only - to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

"We salute our veterans now for their selfless service," said Lt. Col. Douglas Collins, a former resident of Andalusia who now lives in Niceveille, Fla. Collins was the guest speaker at the Veterans Day Observance at Andalusia Middle School. "Remember our veterans for the price they pay both physically and emotionally to keep this country safe."

At Pleasant Home, Principal James Garner welcomed the visiting veterans and recognized them. Mrs. Thomasson's class performed "The Star Spangled Banner" and "America," then Devin Spivey, student council president, gave a brief history of Veterans Day. After a perfromance of "Over There," and closing remarks from the principal, the veterans were invited to a reception in the lobby.

At Andalusia Middle School

the veterans and their families were

also invited to a special reception in the cafeteria after the program. The eighth grade performed their annual project, interviewing chosen veterans and writing up stories about the service men and women and their miliatry careers. The essays were decorated and hanging on the cafeteria walls for the honorees to see.

The Andalusia High School and Middle Shcool choruses performed several patriotic songs, as did the AMS band. AMS Band Director Carrie Miller played "Taps" on the trumpet while the crowd stood

quietly in a moment of silence in memory of those who died serving their country.

"They are our heroes," said Collins of the country's veterans. "An unbroken line of heroes."