Last Tuesday, students from northwest Alabama joined with students from Tishomingo, MS to learn about veterans at Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow’s Cypress Cove Farms.
Fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders had a busy schedule, with several activities to take part in and learn about veterans. Frankie Smith, Red Bay’s Commander of American Legion Post 120, oversaw most of the activities at the event.
“Johnny Mack and I saw a problem in our school systems where students aren’t learning what veterans are,” Smith said. “We made this program to educate kids and show them why they should appreciate them.”
Students participated in all types of activities, including learning how to fold flags. They also had the privilege of hearing not one but two World War II veterans speak. Cecil Batchelor of Russellville, and Aubrey Smith of Muscle Shoals were the honored veterans who spoke about their time in the service.
Batchelor, Chairman Emeritus of CB&S Bank’s Board of Directors, told stories to the young students and offered the advice of education, not war, being the answer.
“We should focus on ourselves and the well being of others rather than fighting,” Batchelor said.
