It’s Veterans Day and I can’t help but be thankful.

On Monday, the City of Atmore held its annual Veterans Day program at the city hall auditorium.

Being new here, I thought it was going to be another ordinary program, where veterans were honored for the sacrifice they made in the past and present.

I was wrong.

The program didn’t last but 30 minutes, but more was done to honor those who served and are serving in the military within that small amount of time.

After a welcome by Mayor Jim Staff, First United Methodist Pastor Debora Bishop — also a veteran — said the invocation with laryngitis; Megan Young and Sandy Hollinger sang the National Anthem; Boy Scouts from Troop 26 presented the colors; the Pledge of Allegiance was said; special music was sung by Whitney Maholovich and Charlotte Purvis; Staff presented a proclamation; and 1st Assembly of God Pastor Don Davis offered the closing prayer.

During the program, I looked around at the many different veterans who served in so many of the conflicts that impacted the globe.

I thought about what they gave up — family, normalcy and their personal freedom — and couldn’t help but be humbled.

I also thought about my grandfathers.

My grandfather on my mom’s side, who served in World War II, was awarded two bronze stars during the European, African and Middle Eastern campaign, and numerous other medals, including the Meritorious Unit Citation and Pacific Campaign medal. His highest rank he obtained was technical sergeant. My grandfather on my dad’s side also was in the military, serving during the Korean War.

On the day itself, Veterans Day is a federal holiday that is observed annually on Nov. 11, and it honors those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, known as veterans.

Most people get Memorial Day confused with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday that is set for remembering those who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.

After the service, I left city hall with a smile on my face because it not only gave me an opportunity to thank those veterans, but also it gave me an opportunity to record the event.

It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the program.

I am thankful that those who served in the military gave me an opportunity to record history each week for our readers.

If you see a veteran out there, remember to thank them for their service to our country.

Happy Veterans Day!