GR students honor veterans with program

The program centered around honoring those who served or are still serving in the military.

On Friday, Monroe Intermediate School students hosted a program for veterans. With Veterans Day falling on a Saturday this year, the program was hosted Friday morning.

Kicking off the program, was a warm welcome from MIS principal Anne-Marie Covey.

"Veterans Day isn't just one day a year, it's every day," Covey said.

As Americans its important to honor the ones who have fought to ensure this country's freedoms, Covey said.

After the brief welcome, the posting of the colors, which was done by local Boy Scout Troop 312, officially started the ceremony.

Next, all joined together to say the Pledge of Allegiance and sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," while the Lincoln Middle School band played.

MIS morning choir participants were happy to perform a few songs, including "Because of You," "America Tears," "The Constitution" and "My Shot."

Once again, the MIS students, who were dressed in red, white and blue, sang with the LMS band as it performed the "Armed Forces Medley." Veterans were encouraged to stand when the medley for the military branch they served in was played. As the veterans stood, the students and other audience members would clap.

Although all received a great ovation, Leon Brady, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II received the most applause.

All in attendance knew how rare it is for World War II veterans, who are mostly in their 90s, to be alive and well enough to attend the ceremony.

The students didn't forget to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving one's life for the country. The students put out a missing man table, also known as the fallen comrade table and read a poem about what each item on the table represented.