ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — “Im proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me. And I proudly stand up next to you and defend her still today. Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land. God Bless the U.S.A.”

As we get ready to celebrate Veteran’s Day next Thursday, November 11, the lyrics of Lee Greenwood’s patriotic song will most likely be sung or played more than once at the many programs going on in Central Baldwin County.

To kick off the week, Robertsdale Healthcare will be honoring their veterans on Tuesday, November 9 at 10 a.m. with some patriotic music and a presentation of the colors by the Robertsdale High School ROTC. Covenant Hospice will also take part in the program, Healthcare employees said.

On Wednesday, November 10, there are several area schools presenting programs.

Robertsdale Elementary School will begin at 9 a.m. in the multipurpose room with the fourth and fifth grade choir singing some patriotic songs and then the whole school singing some selections as well, said Susie Vivar, RES Music teacher. Alex Reeves, a sixth grader, will also be giving a patriotic speech.

“We’ve been practicing since September so they know the songs really well. It should be a good program. Last year, we had about 50 veterans and I hope we have more this year.

It’s so exciting for us to be able to honor the vets in this way and make them feel special,” Vivar said.

The local Boy Scout troop will be presenting the colors and Larkus Smith, a retired Vietnam veteran, will be the special speaker, Vivar said. “Mr. Smith served two tours of duty and saw front line action and is a member of Chapter 864 of the Vietnam Veterans Association.”

Vivar said the kindergartners will be dressing in military costumes and there will be a reception with punch and cake after the program to honor the veterans. “We are trying to instill some respect for the flag and some patriotic values in our students with this program.”

Elsanor Elementary also has their program at 9 a.m. with a car show by the Gearjammers Club and a lunch honoring the veterans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., said resource teacher Chesley Harrison. “Col. Phillip Tripp, retired serviceman, will be our guest speaker and the Pre-K classes will perform. We invite any veterans that would like to come to join us.”

Central Baldwin Middle School will present a program at 9 a.m. as well in the gym honoring several Veterans from Bay Minette, said special education teacher Brenda Breedlove, and the band will be performing some patriotic songs.

“We will also have the ROTC from RHS presenting the colors and have a powerpoint honoring the veterans. There will be a reception after the program too,” said Breedlove.

Rosinton Elementary begins their festivities at 1 p.m. with a powerpoint honoring family members and faculty who are veterans, said Principal Dr. Theresa Hardin.

“We are going to have a great program this year. The first graders are going to do two songs in sign language and the students are going to honor the veterans with medals. it will be a very special time for us. We will be having a reception for them in the library after the program,” said Dr. Hardin. “The community really supports us in this program and we do it to honor them as well.”