ACCS honoring local veterans

Published 12:01 am Friday, September 20, 2013

NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School is set to honor local veterans and military personnel tonight with numerous planned pre-game festivities.

ACCS soccer coach Jimmy Allgood, who is helping organize the event, said for the second year in a row, the school would acknowledge locals who served or are serving in the armed forces with a special pre-game program. The Rebels are set to take on Cenla Christian Academy at 7 p.m. tonight.

“All veterans — past, present and future — are invited to the game free of charge,” Allgood said. “From the top brass at ACCS to everyone, this is our way of giving back thanks to all of them.”

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Beginning at 5 p.m., a refreshments area will be available at the south end zone of Bobby Marks Stadium for all veterans. A special film recognizing World War II veterans will also be shown.

After performances by the ACCS dance team, a motorcycle brigade will do laps around the school’s football field as a patriotic tribute at approximately 6 p.m.

Following the motorcycle tribute, veterans will be escorted onto the football field for recognition, and local country singer and ACCS teacher Hannah Belle Southerland will sing the national anthem and other patriotic melodies, Allgood said.

Before kickoff, the Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter is scheduled to drop off the game ball to special military guests. During the game, a cannon will fire every time ACCS scores a touchdown.

The forecast calls for a 60-percent chance of rain tonight, and Allgood said school officials would be watching the weather.

“For inclement weather, we’ll do the best we can,” Allgood said. “Tents will be set up for the refreshments area, and hopefully we can dodge the rain clouds for the helicopter landing.”

Allgood said he wanted to thank Rick Fife, Leigh Anne Mason and Mark LaFrancis for helping plan the event.