Vietnam War veteran and Atmore’s Veterans of Foreign Wars post Quartermaster Lloyd Albritton was the guest speaker at a Veterans Day program held at Escambia County Middle School on Thursday.

Albritton spoke to the students about the importance of serving others.

“If you want to be great in your life you have to serve others,” he said. “No other group has served others better than veterans.”

He said the military is a great way to serve your fellow man. Albritton said it opens up avenues of academics and lifelong friends are made through the military.

Albritton explained the importance of the VFW to the local community and what it means when they’re out at local events, selling hot dogs and drinks to the public.

“Our purpose is to serve our fellow veterans,” he said. “We use proceeds to assist veterans. Our attitude has always been to serve our brothers.”

In addition to Albritton’s speech, students gave brief histories of wars and conflicts in which the U.S. has been involved throughout history. Hunter Findley and Michael Donaldson spoke about the origins of Veterans Day.

Shelton McKenzie spoke about the early battles, while Roncheal Lambert gave a history of the Civil War.

Nakieyah Robinson spoke of World War I and Elisha Banks spoke about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Cierra Stabler spoke about World War II and India Smith gave a history of the Korean War. Dachary McGowan gave a history of the signal drum.

Students Chamichael Pettway, JacLynn Tucker, Dominae Duwhite, Ariauna Gray, Jaslyn Silar and Joey Ramer described “Why We Honor Veterans.”

In addition, Calvin Richardson read “In Flanders Fields” and local veterans were honored as part of the program.