Korean War veteran Pat Johnson takes students through the Gordon Morrow and Fred Rosemore Memorial Museum set up at Cypress Cove Farm during the Veterans Recognition Program on Oct. 30. Photo by Kellie Singleton.

RED BAY – Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow hosts many events at his Cypress Cove Farm in Red Bay, but he said one of the greatest events he has been able to hold there is a special event for students where they learn about veterans and how important this group of people is to our country.

The Second Annual Veterans Recognition Program has been conducted over the past few weeks at Cypress Cove Farm for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students across Franklin and Colbert counties.

The program was held for the first time last year for students at Red Bay School and was expanded this year to include students from all surrounding schools.

Morrow said last year’s program had a profound impact on the students that participated and he wanted to make sure other students had the opportunity to have the same experience.

“They came away with a much better understanding of what it takes to keep this country free,” Morrow said.

“After the program, many students would stop a veteran or a serviceman or servicewoman and thank them for their service.

“I want them to understand that we should be thankful for our veterans. When someone does something for you that helps you, you thank them. Our veterans have served our country so we can be free, and that definitely deserves our thanks.”

The program, which was sponsored by American Legion Post 120 in Red Bay and included veterans from other posts as well, gave students a chance to meet and listen to a number of veterans of different wars as well as examine several military exhibits.

Students visited stations that included a visit through the Gordon Morrow and Fred Rosemore Memorial Museum, which included artifacts and items collected by American Legion Post 120; learning military drills like how to march; listening to a Civil War presentation; listening to stories told by veterans; and riding on Morrow’s collection of military vehicles.

During the opening of the program, students also listened to a story told by Beulah Tooley, who spoke about the life of Anne Frank, and listened to music provided by Joseph Baldwin.

“This is an effort on our part to educate students that the freedoms we enjoy don’t come free,” Post 120 commander Frankie Smith said.

“It’s our hope that when Veterans Day comes around, these students will better appreciate the sacrifices made by our servicemen and servicewomen.”

Morrow said he was glad to host the event for a second year and hoped to continue it for years to come.

“These students often take their freedoms for granted just because they simply do not grasp the cost there was to pay for those freedoms,” Morrow said. “Freedom is not free. It was bought at a high price and at the sacrifice of so many.

“I think this was a wonderful event for these students, and even the teachers and other members of the community who were there.”