A TRIBUTE TO LOCAL VETERANS — Hills Elementary School honored veterans with music and presentations during an assembly held Nov. 6. Approximately 400 people, including students, faculty and veterans attended the Veterans Day service. -- Contributed

MINGO JUNCTION — Hills Elementary School held its annual Veterans Day assembly Nov. 6, with approximately 400 people in attendance.

Pupils, veterans and faculty gathered for a day of patriotic songs and readings to honor the 22 former and current members of the military.

According to music educator Aimee Carroll, her fourth-grade choir provided the musical accompaniment, while members of the fourth-grade student council led in the introductions and presentations.

Preschoolers through third graders watched as Carroll welcomed veterans sitting on stage as honored guests.

“We wanted to share the love,” Carroll said. “We would like to thank all of the veterans for not only taking time to be part of the program, but for serving this great country of ours.”

Houston Pugh, president of the student council, offered the welcome and introduction. Vice President Aubree Loppe read Cheryl Dyson’s poem, “Veterans Day.”

“On Veterans Day we honor all who answered to a service call,” Loppe recited.

She continued, “Soldiers young and soldiers old fought for freedom, brave and bold. Some have lived, while others died, and all of them deserve our pride. We’re proud of all the soldiers who kept thinking of red, white, and blue. They fought for us and all our rights, they fought through many days and nights. And though we may not know each name, we thank all veterans, just the same.”

Student council members Natalie Dokes and Alyvia Hammack introduced the choir and the presentation of certificates.

Carroll recognized the nearly two-dozen military heroes, announcing each by name and branch they represented.

Carroll then took a moment to honored Capt. David “Nick” Hauck and Robert Hauck, who have died.

Choir members sang renditions of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” “The Armed Forces Medley,” “Soldier, This Song I Sing for You” and the national anthem.

The event closed with a rendition of taps.

A small receptionfollowed for the guests of honor.