PRESS PHOTOS BY LISA DRAPERWillow Lane Elementary students, faculty, staff and administration recognized military veterans in a special program at the school Nov. 11. The event included special music performances, displays and presentations of essays and letters by students. ABOVE: William Hildebrant of the Emmaus Veterans Committee leads the program with the presentation of the American flag.

Army veteran Brett Knerr and his son Declan listen to students reading letters written for the program.

Army veteran John Gresh is escorted by his mother Marian Hamel and his daughter Brianna. Gresh has a niece and nephew who attend Willow Lane Elementary School.

U.S. Marine veteran John Eyer watches the slideshow portraying all the veterans participating in the event. U.S. Air Force veteran George Arangio, of Fogelsville, commented he is glad his grandchild invited him to the event at Willow Lane Elementary School. “I have 13 grandchildren and this is the only school that had a program like this,” Arangio said.

Veteran Jerry Sutliff and his wife Pat participate in the program thanks to their great-grandson and Willow Lane Elementary School kindergarten student Brent Briggs.

Veteran John Eyer stands in front of the U.S. Marines board with his granddaughter Cecilia who is a student at the school.

Air Force veteran Irvin Distler stands with granddaughter Mila along with fellow Air Force veteran Jill Knolle with her son Jack at the Veterans Day program at Willow Lane Elementary School Nov. 11.