Harry S Truman Elementary students were excited to welcome veterans and their families to the Veterans Day program Nov. 11 at the school.

All guests were greeted at the front door, handed a program and directed to the cafeteria. Students went to every guest in attendance, shook their hands and thanked them for attending.

Principal Zachary Brem welcomed the veterans and their families to the school and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Students Meadow Lettko and Aimee Green led the students and guests in the singing of “Star Spangled Banner.”

Kindergarten students offered a welcome song, “O Veterans” followed by two songs from first and second grade students, “See The Veteran” and “History.”

Third grade students read thank you notes for the veterans. Notes included, “Thank you for protecting us,” “Thank you for fighting for our country,” “Thank you for fighting for our freedom,” “Thank you for risking your lives for us,” “Thank you for being so brave and being away from your loved ones for us,” “Thank you for keeping us safe” and “You are important to a lot of people.”

A group of fifth grade students presented a video with comments such as, “I am truly honored to live in a country where we are protected by strong military,” “I would like to thank my dad for serving in the military for giving us the freedom to be able to play,” “I would like to thank my great grandpa for serving in World War II and let him know how proud I am for him serving” and “I would like to thank my great uncle for serving in the armed forces. I want him to know I am proud of him.”

Fifth grade students also sang the song, “Hero in This Place” by Michael Souders.

Fourth grade students sang, “Thank You Soldiers” by Michael Souders.

Brem then called the names of veterans associated with the students and staff and asked those present to stand to be recognized. Each veteran in attendance was given a poppy made by the students.

The poppies are referenced in the poem, “In Flanders Fields” written by Lt. Col. John McCrae May 3, 1915 following the death of a young friend and former student, Lt. Alexis Helmer, of Ottawa. While writing the poem, McCrae could see poppies in a nearby cemetery.

Following the program, veterans and their adult family members were invited to enjoy cake and coffee in the cafeteria.