TIFTON — Veterans from all branches of the military were honored at various Veterans Day events on Monday, Nov, 11.

The Tifton Veterans Museum held a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. at the museum, located at 120 South Tift Avenue.

The museum, which holds memorabilia from most of the military conflicts local soldiers have served in, also has a “Wall of Heroes,” which showcases photos of local veterans.

Chris Parrott said that the museum is in need of more photos to make sure every local veteran is honored.

Danny Bailey, who leads the American Legion contingent helping get the museum up and running, said they are in need of memorabilia from the Korean War.

The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Students, faculty and staff at Omega Elementary School held a program honoring veterans at the school.

The program began at 9 a.m. and ended with a veteran’s parade, where every veteran in attendance walked through the halls to be cheered and high-fived by the students.

The annual Veterans Day Program was held at Veteran’s Park in downtown Tifton at 11 a.m.

Henry Bostick, a Navy veteran, was honored at the celebration.

An empty chair was placed on the stage in honor and remembrance of Bostick, who was key in organizing and planning the Veterans Memorial Day program.

Tyron Spearman was the master of ceremonies, the Reverend Joseph L. Crumley gave the invocation and the benediction and Tifton Mayor Julie Smith welcomed guests and introduced the keynote speaker, State Representative Penny Houston.

Brenda Saunders performed the National Anthem and “God Bless the USA,” Steven Williams performed a song written by Jay Short titled “Stars and Stripes” and Megan DuBose ended the program by bugling TAPS.

The Tifton Fire Department Honor Guard presented and retired the colors at the celebration.

Sponsors include 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, American Legion Post 21, City of Tifton, Downtown Development Authority of the City of Tifton, Jack Stone, Lowe’s Home Improvement Tifton, Tift County, Tift County Board of Commissioners, Tifton Mayor and City Council, Tifton Police Department, Tifton Fire Department and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Veteran’s Day was officially created as an American holiday in 1954 as a day set aside to honor the service of all veterans.