Douglas County schools honored veterans for Veterans Day with heartfelt ceremonies and special programs to pay tribute to those who served. Schools across the district—from elementary to middle and high school—organized events including parades, musical performances, and breakfasts to show their appreciation.
Beulah Elementary School celebrated by inviting veterans to a special Veterans Day Parade on Monday morning. Students and staff lined the halls at Beulah, waving American flags and handmade signs and cheering as nine veterans walked through the school.
Beulah students also made special cards for the veterans.
“It made all of us feel great as we walked down the hall and all of the kids were cheering for us,” said Clark Favors, a Marine veteran who served in Vietnam and whose grandchildren attend Beulah.”That’s one of the best feelings you can have.”
After the parade, the veterans were recognized in the media center by Beulah Principal Wiley
Dailey, school staff and members of the Beulah Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), which organized the Veterans Day festivities.
"Thank you for your sacrifice," Dailey told the veterans, recalling that his father served in Korea and Vietnam. "It means a lot. I hope our children, our students, understand the meaning of the freedom that you've fought for."
Chapel Hill High School students in the National Art Honor Society designed a special banner expressing gratitude and respect to veterans.
The students, many of whom are also part of the JROTC, were enthusiastic about contributing to the meaningful project, CHHS Media Specialist Tracey Young said.
After the banner was completed, students wrote heartfelt messages to teachers who
courageously served, including “thank you for your courage,” “thank you for your dedication and bravery,” and “thank you for selflessly serving our country.”
CHHS veterans were also honored by being featured on the school’s broadcast news and announcements and treated to lunch at Shane’s Rib Shack.
Sweetwater Elementary School hosted a parade and classroom visits with veterans on Monday.
Sweetwater also had a special Veterans Day edition of its Morning News Show. Fifth-grade teacher Brittany Smith sang “God Bless America,” and the SWES Chorus sang “This Land is Your Land.” The newscast also paid tribute to veterans who are staff members at Sweetwater with slides showing the staffers in uniform and messages like “Thank you for your courage.”
At Holly Springs Elementary, Media Specialist Kerry Harbin said veterans were invited to a special breakfast in the media center as well as a program in their honor at Chapel Hill High School.
“It was our pleasure to thank the veterans for their service in this small way for their commitment and service to our country,” Harbin said.
Annette Winn Elementary invited current and past members of the armed forces to a special 
Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, complete with a breakfast reception.
Mason Creek Elementary was decked in red, white and blue while welcoming veterans for lunch and other festivities. Students also made special cards for veterans, thanking them for their service.
South Douglas Elementary had over 55 veterans at its student-led program Monday, Media Specialist Ana Leibbrand said. Veteran David Parrish was the guest speaker, SDES custodian and veteran Edward Bridges sang “God Bless America,” and special guest, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sharon Collier from Alexander High’s JROTC program, sang the National Anthem.
Fairplay Middle School hosted its annual Veterans Day program, complete with patriotic music performed by the school’s band and chorus.
Arbor Station Elementary students heard from retired Air Force Master Sgt. Sean Ballance, a 
distinguished veteran who served in the Obama Administration.
ASES Principal Dr. Emily Felton said Ballance emphasized the personal sacrifices that accompany a military career, including long separation from family, missed milestones and the constant stress associated with high-stakes duties. Throughout his presentation, Ballance focused on the value of determination and service, urging students to pursue their passions and contribute positively to society while motivating them to embrace leadership opportunities.
“Students left the event not only with a greater understanding of military service but also inspired to create their own paths of leadership and service in their communities,” Felton said.
On Saturday, cadets from the JROTC programs at Douglas County high schools marched in the county’s Veterans Day Parade through downtown Douglasville.
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