During the 11th month on the 11th day, the guns of World War I fell silent. It’s estimated that more than 8 million solders, including 50,000 Americans had lost their lives.

To honor the fallen, the day was called “Armistice Day,” The day in the United States was later changed to “Veterans Day” to honor all who have served their country in the armed forces.

Ceremonies and celebrations remembering the sacrifice were held in area schools. At Central Baldwin Middle School, the program, “Decades of Dedication” was held on Friday, Nov. 7.

The program began with Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America president Presley Sheffield welcoming the gymnasium full of students, veterans and their guests to the school.

Students carried in baskets of items donated for the William F. Green State Veteran’s Home.

“It’s important children remember,” said Dawn Hopper, a teacher at the school and one of the event’s coordinators.

The Robertsdale High JNROTC unit conducted a flag ceremony and member of the ROTC unit fired a 21-gun salute, which had more than a few students covering their ears. The ROTC units were under the direction of Master Chief Robert Dairy.

Tyler Jackson, Caleb Cooper, Odel Williams, Dalton Thames, and Wesley Burr carried in the flags of the Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Austin Sypert carried a flag representing prisoners of war and Will Williams carried the American flag.

Students read an essay, “Decades of Dedication,” that listed the events and fads of each decade from the 1900s on.

But the house came down when a couple dressed like a World War II couple danced an energetic jitterbug.

But the fun was not over.

An “Elvis” impersonator took the stage, singing to the women in the audience and more than one service member took the opportunity to hop up and dance with the “King.”

The program concluded with the CBMS band playing “Amazing Grace.”

The Rosinton Elementary School program was held Nov. 10, and featured a presentation of the colors and a gun drill by the Daphne JROTC.

The first grade class provided a special musical tribute, singing and gesturing along to patriotic songs. Students were urged to join “their”veteran on the stage, and present him or her with a medal.

One of the high points of the program came as Daemen and Dominic Bibeau, members of Cub Scout Pack 98 and students at the school, presented the flag that covered their grandfather’s, Mario Pappalardo, coffin to the school. Principal Theresa Harden accepted the flag.

A PowerPoint presentation showed the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, great-uncles, great-great-grandfathers and grandmothers and other friends and relatives of students and faculty members who have served in the armed forces.

“It was good to see all the kids here,” said Arthur Glenn Nichols, a Marine Corps veteran.

Elsanor School also honored veterans on Monday with a program at the school.

Students were led in the singing of the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegience, followed by 3-year-old Riley Harrison, daughter of teacher Chesley Harrison, singing ‘God Bless America.”

Students from the K4 class at Elsanor School performed a dance routine to “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” followed by an essay presentation by Robertsdale High School student and Elsanor resident Lauren Malone video presentation honoring family members of students, faculty and staff who have served or are currently serving their country.

The Robertsdale High School band also performed patriotic music during the program.

The school also welcomed members from the William F. Green Veterans Home in Bay Minette and presented a donation to the facility.

The program also featured antique vehicles presented by members of the Gear Jammers antique car club.

In speaking to the crowd at Monday’s program, Harrison challenged parents to teach their children “who the true heroes are.”

“I thank my parents for teaching me the value of serving our country,” she said. “I want to challenge parents to teach their children about those who put themselves on the line every day for their families and people they don’t even know.”

Independent editor John Underwood contributed to this report.