JROTC receives state colors from Montgomery

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Russellville High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp welcomed special guests this week from Montgomery as the program took possession of an Alabama state flag flown that had flown over the capitol.
Bob Barefield, Glenn Nivens and Mel Shinholster presented the flag to the class Wednesday afternoon.
"These gentlemen are my brothers," Russellville ROTC instructor Lt. Col. Norman Lier said.
"Because of the service they gave our nation, they are my brothers. It's a bond many families don't have, but it lasts a lifetime."
The bond Lier talked about was the bond between servicemen, the men and women who make sacrifices in their lives so Americans can have freedoms.
Niven told the group that the flag presented to the class was flown over the state capitol on Sept. 29. He also read a citation from Gov. Bob Riley congratulating them on the formation of their JROTC program.
The group also presented the class with a Blue Star Service Banner.
Niven explained that the Blue Star Service Banner dates back to World War I when a grandmother painted a blue star on a pillowcase and hung it in her window for everyone to see she had a family member serving in the war.
"We give each solider a Blue Star Service Banner for their family before they are deployed," Niven said. "And, I am proud to present one to you for your classroom."
After the presentation, the group met with students and answered questions about their military service.
Lier emphasized the importance of the national and state colors to the class as well.
"To some people, it's a piece of cloth. But, what it represents is the blood and sacrifices made for this country," Lier said. "It's an honor to the men and women who make that sacrifice."
ves state colors from capitol