RED BAY-Approximately 1,000 students from throughout North Alabama will be converging on the farm of State Representative Johnny Mack Morrow for the second annual Veterans Recognition Program sponsored by American Legion Post 120 in Red Bay.
The program, which is underway and will conclude on November 4, 2014, is aimed at fourth, fifth, and 
sixth grade students and gives them a chance to meet and listen to a number of veterans of different wars as well as examine several military exhibits. This program running for the five days will include 200 children on each day in order to accommodate all the schools.
The program “Freedom Is Not Free” will include schools from Vina, Phil Campbell, Russellville, Colbert Heights, New Bethel and Cherokee. The program is not a lecture but a hands-on interactive event.
Frankie Smith
This event will be held on Morrow’s farm Cypress Grove Farm that has been converted into a Military Camp for the event. Children can experience what military life is like on a personal level. There will be seven stations set up and the students will have the opportunity to visit each station lead by a teacher or “Platoon Leader.” There will be several military vehicles for the children to take rides on and experience the way military men and women are transported.
On Thursday, October 30, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Representative Morrow’s farm located at 1895 Highway 28 in Red Bay, 35582 children from New Bethel, Colbert Heights and Cherokee will be at the farm learning about what Veterans have done for us to keep our freedoms and “How To Thank A Veteran” demonstrated by State Representative Johnny Mack Morrow.
Johnny Mack Morrow
“This is an effort on our part to education students that the freedoms we enjoy don’t come free,” said Frankie Smith, commander of Post 120. “It’s our hope that when Veterans Day comes around, these students will better appreciate the sacrifices made by our servicemen and servicewomen.”
Morrow said last year’s program had a profound impact on the students that participated.
“They came away with a much better understanding of what it takes to keep this country free,” he said. “After the program, many students would stop a veteran or a serviceman or servicewoman and thank them for their service.”
MEDIA RELEASE/AMERICAN LEGION POST 120 RED BAY/FRANKIE SMITH COMMANDER
