MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — Brindlee Mountain High School’s Veterans Day ceremony brought the community together in a tribute to honor the bravery and sacrifices of local veterans.
The celebration was an expression of the community’s respect for veterans and the sacrifices they have made.
“Here at Brindlee Mountain we find it very important to honor our veterans not only on Veterans Day but each and every day,” said one of the students in a packed gymnasium.
Among those in attendance is retired U.S. Army Sgt. Johnny Whisenant.
Whisenant was among several at the event that served in the war in Iraq.
“There were 142 in my company, and 142 of us came home,” Whisenant explained. “A lot of them are here today only by the grace of God.
Whisenant says if called upon, those soldiers would not hesitate to go back and fight for their country.
“You know really, most veterans all they want is a thank you. I’m 73 years old now and the majority of the soldiers that went with me are retired, but if we were asked, we would go back to defend our country because we love it that much,” Whisenant said.
The veteran honors are the first ever to be held at the school.
“We would like to honor our veterans every day but if I can do it today here, we can do it anytime,” said Steven Sims of Brindlee Mountain High School.
Whisenant, who also served in Vietnam, told News 19 that he was moved by how Marshall County took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices he and fellow soldiers have made so that we can enjoy the freedoms we experience every day.
“It’s not only for them but for their kids and their grandkids and their great-grandkids,” said Whisenant. “It didn’t come for free, it’s been paid for in blood and they need to realize that.”
