Honoring our nation's veterans is an annual event at Willow Lane Elementary School.

The tradition continued Nov. 11 with a reception outside of the auditorium with tables filled with freshly baked refreshments made by the staff at Willow Lane and various kinds of drinks.

During the reception, patriotic music could be heard coming from the auditorium while teachers, some students and veterans were getting acquainted. When the auditorium was full and everyone was ready, members of the Macungie VFW presented the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Fifth grader Payton McGlory sang the national anthem.

Teacher Emily Vernon welcomed everyone to the Veterans Day program which included four students reading letters to veterans.

Student Evelyn Wong read her letter first, followed by Sofia Folino, Hailey Wills and Paige Peterson.

Following the guest speaker Josh Fink, there was a flag folding ceremony by students Jacob Messner and Noe Bridges with help from student Marcus Puentes and special guest Declan Schoen.

All military branches were recognized with the help of student Jillian Dolan and teachers Erin Dry and Ryan Peters.

"God Bless the U.S.A." was sung by students Ty Bleiler and Jack Henriquez with Dry, Ryan Peters, Ryan Williams and Willow Lane students singing along.

Following closing remarks by Vernon, the colors were retired by members of the Macungie VFW.