DeKalb County residents thanked the veterans who risked their lives to preserve our way of life Friday morning.

The annual Veterans Day program was held at the DeKalb County Complex’s Mike Foster Auditorium, and was sponsored by the American Legion Post 122 and Ladies Auxiliary. Susan Hinton and Alan Watt, along with the DeKalb County High School Chorus, directed by Josh Gulley, and the DCHS Band and director Tracy Luna provided music for the event.

Boy Scout Troop 347 presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Local minister Larry Green offered a prayer, and Commander William Edmonds and Adjutant Ronnie Redmon, Sr. welcomed the crowd.

Ladies Auxiliary President Judy Redmon introduced speaker Sergeant Major Becky George, Army National Guard (Retired). Veterans took a school bus escorted by Sheriff Patrick Ray and Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker and members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department to the courthouse at the end of the program, then placed a wreath at the Veterans Memorial Monument.

Josh Moon blew taps on his trumpet to bring the ceremony to a close.

The assembly then enjoyed a lunch sponsored by Pam Redmon and the Smithville Senior Center and Regina Wilhite and Woodmen of the World.