The annual Veterans Day program was filled with patriotic music, prayer and speeches. The program was Thursday morning at the Chilton County Courthouse.

Wayne Bartlett, retired master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, was guest speaker. Bartlett also teaches at Clanton Middle School and talked about how kids today idolize television and music starts instead of true heroes.

“The real stars of American have been the soldiers, the airmen, the sailors, the Marines and the coast guard men who have gone where they have been asked to go and done what they’ve been asked to do,” said Bartlett.

He also talked about the history of Veterans Day and how Chilton County residents enjoy a mostly peaceful and safe way-of-life due to the work of veterans.

“Our armed forces in the factor that has kept the evil over there, (which has) preserved the way of life we have in Clanton,” he said.

During the program, Catherine Rowe led attendees in the National Anthem, while Margaret Kemp Collins sung “God Bless America,” as she has done annually for many years.

Henry Witcher of Union Baptist Church gave the invocation, while Ocie Williams of American Legion Post 343 gave the benediction.

Jerry Grooms served as master of ceremony. Don Smith played Taps to conclude the program.

The Veterans Day Celebration was sponsored by American Legion Post 6, American Legion Post 343, Chilton County Chapter 33 Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wards 3193.