Quitman High School honored the sacrifices of veterans at the annual Veterans Day ceremony last Friday.

Led by the QHS student council, the event included patriotic performances, expressions of gratitude for veterans’ service and a guest speaker.

Mayor David Dobbs proclaimed Nov. 9 through Nov. 11 as “Honor our Veterans” weekend in Quitman.

Dana Hamrick, QHS principal, said students were truly honored to have the veterans be a part of the ceremony.

Quitman Elementary choir performed “God Bless America” for the ceremony.

Gabe Martin, Navy veteran and preacher at First Baptist Church in Quitman, addressed the crowd, talking about the sacrifices a veteran makes while serving their nation.

He told a story about a humanitarian aid mission, during which he and his crew saved a woman’s life in Papua, New Guinea.

He stated that the task took great leadership and meticulous planning executed by each of the service members.

“The mission wouldn’t be successful without the work done by 32 men and women who were away from their families,” Martin said.

“We forget to give the recognition. We forget to give the thanks,” Martin said. “To a veteran, it’s not about a pat on the back. I’ll leave you with this: Don’t be the generation that expects sacrifices of others. Be the generation that honors the sacrifice of others.”

In closing, QISD Superintendent Rhonda Turner thanked the veterans for their service. She expressed gratitude to the student council, school board members and the community.