SILER CITY - An inspirational message and music highlighted the Veterans Day program, "Celebrating American Heroes," on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Central Carolina Community College's Siler City Center.

"Freedom is not free," said U.S. Army veteran Leon Jackson, who is Veterans Employment Consultant of the N.C. Department of Commerce in Sanford. He continued by saying that on this Veterans Day, he wants people to reflect on the sacrifices that have been given to defend the Constitution of the United States.

To the veterans, Jackson noted, "Thank you for your service to our great nation."

The 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Chorus provided special music for this patriotic event.

The program included student participation from the ABE (Adult Basic Education), ESL (English as a Second Language) and Adult Secondary Education programs, which are under the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Department. Daniel Loges is the CCR Coordinator in Chatham County.

Student presenters were Dominique Perez, Amanda Ferguson, Edwina Nettles, Rosemary Gonzalez, Oscar Plata, Oscar Perez and Jackie Zagada. The event included student artwork and a Wall of Stars recognition ceremony to honor veterans, led by ABE Instructor Darlene Brady.

Della Newkirk, Lead ABE Instructor, organized the event in collaboration with the Siler City faculty, staff, and students. The Mistress of Ceremony was Anita Green, Lead Adult High School Instructor.

Central Carolina Community College's Mark Hall, Provost-Chatham County; Dawn Tucker, Dean of CCR; Tracey Gross (U.S. Army veteran), Veteran Affairs Coordinator; and Wilson Lester, Veterans Upward Bound Outreach Coordinator, were among those attending the event.

Siler City Police Chief Gary Tyson, a U.S. Marine veteran, also attended the event.

For more information on CCR programs, visit the website www.cccc.edu or call 919-545-8663 in Chatham County, 910-814-1123 in Harnett County, and 919-777-7701 in Lee County.