Veterans in Chilton County were honored Tuesday morning during the annual Veterans Day Celebration at the Chilton County Courthouse.

Jerry Grooms served as the master of ceremonies and is the post commander at American Legion Post 6 in Clanton.

Girl Scout Troop 759 led the packed courtroom in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Megan Haskew sang the National Anthem, Larry Robinson with American Legion Post 6 led a prayer, and Kailee Williams with Clanton Middle School led the crowd in the singing of “God Bless America.”

Lally Bates of Post 6 introduced the guest speaker, Elmer Harris, former Alabama Power president and Chilton County native.

Harris, who graduated from Chilton County High School in 1957, and Auburn University, served in both the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard.

“He has a pretty good resume for a Chilton County boy,” Bates said.

Harris asked those who had served in various wars including World War II, Vietnam, Kuwait, Korea War, Afghanistan and Iraq to stand as the crowd applauded those who served.

“Veterans have a unique place in society,” Harris said. “You are honored, you have a distinct place of honor and you should be proud of your service. All of us who can still fit into our uniforms should be proud to wear them.”

Harris stressed the importance of strong leadership in a country, referencing times in history where strong leadership was evident.

“We don’t always get it right, but when leaders step forward you get the job done,” Harris said.

Harris described traveling to Normandy where there is nothing but rows “of perfectly lined crosses.”

“If you go or have gone, you will notice a calm over that cemetery, and then all of a sudden, “Taps” starts playing which becomes very moving,” Harris said. “Freedom is not free; war is hell. No one wants to kill anyone, but if you have freedom as your goal, it is part of it.”

Harris referenced a quote from Gen. Douglas MacArthur of “old soldiers never die, they just fade away” with several veterans from the crowd joining in unison to the quote.

“When America is strong, we have respect from around the world,” Harris said. “This country loves freedom and loves veterans.”

Tatum Norcross from Chilton Christian Academy concluded the ceremony by playing “Taps” on the trumpet.

The program is sponsored by the following Chilton County veterans organizations: Disabled American Veterans Chapter 33, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3193, American Legion Post 206, American Legion Post 343 and American Legion Douglas Glass Post 6.