Atmore and the surrounding areas know how to commemorate Veterans Day.

Over the past week or so, several schools, organizations and municipalities took time to think about our military service members, past and present.

Perdido School in northern Baldwin County held its annual program on Nov. 8 and Northview High School in Bratt, Fla. followed with its annual program a day later.

Ernest Ward Middle School went all out as the English language arts program presented a full-out well-done program, according to reports. Additionally, the Blue Angels held their annual homecoming show to end the season in Pensacola, Fla. on Saturday.

The city of Atmore held its Veterans Day program on Nov. 13 after its city council meeting.

As I stood there in the back of the auditorium at NHS, I couldn’t help but think that we’re fortunate to be in an area that takes its military service members quite seriously.

Now, I’ve lived in other areas where they’ve done a good job of paying tribute to our veterans, and they too, deserve a lot of credit.

During the program at NHS, there was a time when the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps went through its flag dedication.

As each fold occurred, the speaker read something to signify the meaning of each fold.

It was refreshing to hear it once again as the last time I had heard it was last year.

I walked away from that ceremony last Thursday with a sense of gratitude because we live in a place that gives us freedoms.

Don’t take advantage of them.

As the speaker said during the program, be sure to thank a veteran for his or her service to our country.

Thank you to all veterans for serving our country, and thank you to those who live in this area for making each year special for those who served.