A variety of school activities marked Veterans Day, this most patriotic of days which honors those who have served the country in war. Churchill students created a Veterans Day wall to recognize the many in their families who have served, and to honor their stories. They passed by this display on their way to gather around the flagpole outside the school to participate in a ceremony led by Principal Scott Klespitz.

Lincoln and Ben Franklin both hosted Veterans Day assemblies organized by students, honoring veterans invited by students and staff, and featuring patriotic songs and presentations. The veterans represented every arm of the military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Seabees and Reserves. They came from a wide array of ranks and duties: artilleryman, bombardier, attack-helicopter pilot, counter-intelligence officer, gunner, radioman and military police officer. And, they accounted for service in countries across the globe: Europe, the South Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Iraq and even in the Libyan desert for pilot training.

The veterans told their stories and in their turn, had a message to those who come after them: Veterans have fought for freedom and liberty. In the years to come, it will be up to you to preserve it.

Pictured from top right:
Churchill students say the Pledge of Allegiance during an outdoor Veterans Day ceremony.

A Lincoln dad tells students about his service in the Air Force.

Ben Franklin students open their Veterans Day assembly with a parade of signs thanking every arm of the service.