“We are here to pay tribute to those great people who went to war so we can live free,” said Reed Intermediate School (RIS) student Rushil Jerfy, introducing the November 11 Veterans Day Program at the school, Tuesday morning. Rushil then led the fifth and sixth grade students, staff, and honored guests — veterans representing four of the five military branches — in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

“We are honored to have all of you here,” added assistant principal Jill Beaudry before the first part of the program began, a brief video on the history of Veterans Day. It was at 11 am, on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918, the movie noted, that the Armistice was signed, ending World War I. November 11 was set aside to honor World War I veterans on “Armistice Day,” as it was originally known. It was not until after the end of the Korean Conflict, in 1953, that the name was changed to Veterans Day, and designated as a day to honor veterans of all wars.

As the anthem for each branch of the military was played, veterans of those branches were asked to stand, and the students sang along. The Navy’s “Anchors Aweigh” and the Air Force “Wild Blue Yonder,” especially, had the cafetorium echoing with the voices of enthusiastic singers. All of the veterans were met with applause at the end of each song.

Special guest Sergeant First Class Turhan Papadopoulos of the Army National Guard, who served in the military with RIS head custodian Ron Patterson, was recognized, receiving flag pictures created by RIS art class students. Sgt Papadopoulos planned to visit several of the classrooms later in the morning.

Ms Beaudry also asked students and guests to notice the symbolic white table and the huge Wall of Honor in the lobby outside of the cafetorium. Students in the classrooms of Lil Martenson and Michelle Vaccaro, and Petrice DiVanno and Matt Dalton had written essays accompanied by photographs of family and friends who have served or are serving in the military. The pieces, making up the Wall of Honor, range from a few sentences to a few paragraphs, but all carry through a theme of pride.

“He sacrificed his life for many people,” said Amed Qazi of his grandfather, Dr Qazi Siraj Ahmed, a Freedom Fighter, Doctor: XMP, in Bangladesh. “Now people have a place to live. Thanks to him, we won Bangladesh,” wrote Amed.

Ellie Stenzel also honored her grandfather. Gerald Stenzel served in Vietnam with the Army. “I am very proud of my grandpa,” wrote Ellie, “and what he has done for this country.”

In a moment that epitomized the reason Veterans Day is celebrated, head custodian Ron Patterson and sixth grade teacher James Roodhuyzen received a standing ovation as they took the stage to be recognized for their service to the country. Sixth grade students Connor Matthews and Jordan D’Amico presented them with flag pictures from the art class.

“It is an amazing feeling, and an amazing display of thanks,” said Mr Roodhuyzen. A Vietnam veteran, he told the group it took a long time for veterans of that war to be thanked. “This,” Mr Roodhuyzen said, “is the most incredible thanks I’ve ever received.”