Veterans Day roundup

The First United Methodist Church choir is honoring military men and women with an evening of music and patriotic readings in "American Heroes: A Salute to the Armed Forces and Military Veterans."

The anthems of each branch of the armed forces will be played along with classics including, "This is My Country" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

"There are fewer and fewer World War II veterans left and soon they won't be around," said Linda Terrell, FUMC choir member and officer.

Terrell said that when WWII veterans returned, they were treated like heroes but when the military returned from Vietnam, they did not always receive the same warm welcome.

"Veterans should always be treated with respect. I could not live in the house that I do, the way that I do, without the men and women who fought for our freedom and liberty," she said.

This music was originally prepared for the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at Memorial Garden Park that was canceled due to rain. When FUMC realized there were not many programs being held for Veterans Day, Terrell said they knew that the best way to use the music they had learned was to put together a performance for military servicemen and women, their families and the public.

"American Heroes" will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 415 N. Lee Ave. in Odessa. Admission is free and a reception will follow for veterans, active members of the military and their families.

"Military families go through a lot and this is one way to honor them," Terrell said.

The choir will be directed by Randy Talley and narrated by Jon Smith.

"We have even had to put off our preparation for Christmas, but this is something we need to do. What better way to salute our veterans?," Talley said in a news release.