Jones County Veterans were recognized by the Junior Beta Club of Northeast Jones High School Thursday.

The club’s annual “Veterans Day Recognition,” gave students an opportunity to thank military veterans during a special program held at the school’s Performing Arts Center. The program was followed by a brunch prepared by the Senior Beta Club for the veterans and their guests.

The National Beta club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. The Junior Beta Club serves students in grades five through nine, while the Senior Beta Club includes grades 9 through 12.

The leadership-service clubs encourage effort and reward merit and promotes those qualities of character that make for good citizenship. Members pledge to be honest and truthful at all times; maintain a creditable scholastic record; be of service to their teachers and fellowmen; conduct themselves in an ethical and moral manner; and to reflect credit upon their school and community.

Seventeen-year-old Lauren Bradley, vice president of the Senior Beta Club, said the organizations are glad to have an opportunity to show their appreciation to the veterans. As she assisted those going through the service line during the brunch, Bradley said: “We’re just serving those who served and fought for us to have this great country that we live in today.

“This is just our way of giving back to them and thanking them for everything they have done.”

Eric Walters, Northeast’s ninth and 10th grade principal said, the sole purpose of Thursday’s activities was to show appreciation to the veterans for what they have done.

“You have done so much for us as individuals, as a nation, and as a world,” he told the 24 veterans attending the event. “We want you to know we care about you and appreciate your sacrifices you made for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.”

Disabled veteran Ronald Rogers of Laurel was among those attending Thursday’s recognition day. A United States Army veteran, Rogers received disabling injuries when he was ejected from a military tank and landed on his back, rupturing several discs. He also received several bullet wounds during his eight and half years of military service.

“I really appreciate these young folks taking out the time to honor us,” said Rogers, 47. “They are carrying on the school’s tradition of recognizing those who fought for freedom. Hopefully some of them will go and fight for their country and keep the flag flying.”

Forty-nine-year-old Navy veteran Debrah West of Laurel, the only female veteran participating in the event, said it’s awesome to see so many young people take an interest in the accomplishments of American veterans. “Programs like these teaches people about the American heritage,” she added. “We appreciated the recognition they are giving us today.”

Air Force veteran Bill O’Neal, who has 20 years of military experience, added: “I thank God people are acknowledge that this freedom they are enjoying is not free,” he said. “Some lives have been lost and people are yet fighting for our freedom.

“So many people take everything for granted,” added the 73-year-old veteran. “It’s programs like these that teach them never to take anything for granted.”