BAY MINETTE, Ala.  — Some veterans were moved to tears Friday as the Bay Minette Middle School National Junior Honor Society held its annual Veterans Day program in the gym for students, veterans, family members and friends.

The event kicked off with a check presentation from NJHS Secretary Kayla Waite to Scott Hurst, administrator of the William F. Green Veteran’s Home in Bay Minette. The organization raised $1,000 through its annual Dollars for Defenders campaign.

“I just want to say how much we appreciate the attention and effort you have given us. I invite all of you to come out and visit and see what your hard work does for us,” Hurst said.

As the few veterans who had attended with Hurst were recognized, everyone in the stands came to their feet in a standing ovation.

Probably more moving than that, however, was the song, especially written for the event by NJHS adviser Matthew Craig, “Remember.” Craig, who announced during the rally he would be leaving next month for the Army, sang the song as photos of various military scenes — from the home front, to the battlefield, to Arlington, were displayed in a slideshow behind him.

As the program came to a close, Cassie Harris sang a medley of the armed forces theme songs as their respective flags were displayed alongside the American flag and their representative veterans stood.

BMMS’s program was just one of many hosted or planned this week. Perdido School held its annual program Tuesday, with a visit from the Hurricane Hunter from Pensacola NAS and Little Bill, a replica of the hurricane hunting plane used.

Today, at 8:15 a.m., Bay Minette Elementary School will hold a Veteran’s Day program at the flagpole. Students are also able to pay $1 to dress out of uniform in order to sport the camouflage known for military use. Later in the morning, at 9:45, Faulkner will host its annual program at the L.D. Owen Performing Arts Center.

As the country observes Veterans Day Thursday, Nov. 11, the city of Bay Minette and North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce will pay tribute to area veterans with their annual Veterans Day Celebration, beginning at 8 a.m. with a breakfast and program featuring Joe Birindelli, who began his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers immediately following his graduation from the Virginia Military Institute in 1966.

Birindelli has been awarded two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal.

At 10:15 a.m., the annual Veterans Day Parade will leave from Bay Minette Intermediate School, ending at the Eternal Flame at the Baldwin County Courthouse, Courthouse Square. A brief ceremony, including a veterans dedication, will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service across the street at the Korean War Memorial in front of the Bay Minette Public Library at noon.