School honors veterans, local musician

FLORENCE - American flags waved as a gymnasium full of fifth- and sixth-graders cheered the entrance of about 50 area veterans during Hibbett Middle School's annual Veterans Day program Thursday.

For the past nine years, the program has recognized veterans of every U.S. war as well as paid special recognition to an individual in the community, either a veteran or supporter of veterans, who has been instrumental in veterans' causes.

This year's honoree was Killen resident Jack Peck, who has played "Taps" on trumpet for more than 750 veterans' funerals around the country.

Having lost his arm in an accident at age 8, Peck went on to follow in his father's footsteps to become musically accomplished.

As a youngster in the 1940s, Peck began playing "Taps" for funerals of World War I and World War II veterans. In the early 1960s, when he moved from Ohio to Florence, Peck's name became synonymous with the music scene in the Shoals as he recorded with musical greats including Aretha Franklin, Andy Williams and Percy Sledge. His trumpet playing is featured in Sledge's hit, "When a Man Loves a Woman."

But it's his love and appreciation for America's veterans that continues to drive him musically, as he continues in his zeal to play at funerals and other events that recognize veterans.

After being honored Thursday, an emotional Peck stood to play "Taps" flawlessly.

"Every time I get ready to play, I think about the guys I'm playing for and what they've done for me and this country," Peck said. "I've played for some who've lived through Normandy, right up to the present. I love doing this. I always strive to make it as pretty as I can."

The program also included patriotic songs by the Hibbett Chorus, readings of poetry by students and a powerful PowerPoint presentation saluting veterans from each war.

One of the World War II veterans recognized, Leon Lewis, called the program "touching."

"It was great to see all the veterans here, and I thought these kids did a great job with the program," Lewis said. "These kids are in tune with what (Veterans Day) is all about."

Fifth-grader Molly Nicholas said she has a clear understanding of what our country's veterans did and sacrificed for her.

"Had they not fought for us, we wouldn't be here. That's for sure," she said.

Fifth-grader Ronald Thompson said the program touched his heart.

"It was a real blessing to be here today with all these veterans," he said. "Just a real blessing."

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or at lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.