The third-, sixth- and seventh-grade choirs along with Ebony and Ivory, the high school ensemble, performed for the veterans songs such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Thank You Soldiers” performed by Ebony and Ivory, “Welcome Home” performed by the third-grade choir and “The Light of Freedom” performed by the sixth- and seventh-grade choir.

High school students Clayten Kersey and Max Tice, both freshman; Abiona Reynolds, sophomore; Asla Crooms, junior; and Hana Daniels read to the veterans letters of appreciation they had written for them. The students thanked the veterans for the sacrifices they had made and told them they were brave and strong for what they did for the country, how grateful they are to them and how much they respect them, expressing their thanks for their service.

Junior/High School Principal Coy Sudvary went around to each veteran who attended the assembly and had them introduce themselves and tell what branch of service they served and where they served.

Guest speaker Mark Jones, U. S. Marines and Wellsville resident, who was part of an invasion that saw him parachuting into Panama City on a mission to capture Manual Noreiga, said it was an honor to speak at the assembly.

Ebony and Ivory, the Wellsville Jr./Sr, High School ensemble, sings the Star-Spangle Banner to open the Wellsville Veterans Day Assembly held at the Wellsville Jr./Sr. High School. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

He went on to say that they had gathered for the assembly to honor service members, remember the sacrifices they made and to the courage it took to defend honor, duty and country.

“We are here today to honor our veterans and to remember their achievements, their courage, their dedication and to say thank you for their sacrifices,” Jones said. “Thinking of the heroes who join us in this group today and those that are here only in spirit.”

Jones asked all the service members to stand and be recognized and then he asks all the family members of veterans to also stand and be recognized for their sacrifices.

He spoke of the veterans who volunteered and those who didn’t volunteer but still fought on distant battlefields.

“They didn’t go to war because they love fighting,” Jones said. “They were called to be a part of something bigger themselves. They were extraordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times. They rose to the nation’s call because they wanted to protect the nation which has given them and all of us so much. ”

Wellsville Veterans Day assembly guest speaker Mark Jones, U. S. Marine Corps and Wellsville resident, speaks to veterans and students on the honor, duty and sacrifices of veterans. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

The assembly wrapped up with the playing of Taps, a moment of silence, a tribute video and prayer.

Following the assembly, a social hour was held for the veterans and their guest by Ebony and Ivory. Decorations for the social hour included red, white and blue flowers in vases, thank you notes and art work by second-grade students, seventh-grade students and Jr./Sr. High students.

Army veteran Dale Williams said the assembly was just wonderful and made him good. He also noted that he had attended them a few times in the past but this one meant more to him because he is older now. He also noted that it made him for good coming from the students.

“It’s nice. I like it. I enjoy it every year,” John Elkins, U.S. Marine Corp, Vietnam, who attended the event with his three children Max, 14, Johnnie, 16 and Greta Tice, 10. “I come and I get to spend a little time with my kids.”

Elkins also noted that he was glad that they took the time to recognize the veterans because most of the time during the year it’s not really talked about too much and that he was just glad they remember.

The sixth- and seventh-grade choir performs for veterans and their guests during the annual Wellsville Veterans Day Assembly held at the Wellsville Jr./Sr. High School. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Ebony and Ivory member Annabelle Sluder, senior, said it was really nice to be able to sign for them and that even if it’s just for an hour it’s a way for them to give back to the veterans.

“Our community takes a lot of pride in this so, I think it’s something that brings us together and it’s really nice for the veterans and they enjoy it.” Emma Dieringer, junior, said. “There are some that look forward to it every year so it’s nice.

The sixth- and seventh-grade choir performs for veterans and their guests during the annual Wellsville Veterans Day Assembly held at the Wellsville Jr./Sr. High School. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Art work by Wellsville students and photos of local veterans decorate the walls for the annual Veterans Day Assembly held at held at the Wellsville Jr./Sr. High School. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Flowers in patriotic colors and art by Wellsville second-grade students decorate the tables for the social hour held for veterans following the annual Veterans Day Assembly held at held at the Wellsville Jr./Sr. High School. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Veterans and Wellsville students enjoy a social hour together following the annual Veterans Day Assembly held at held at the Wellsville Jr./Sr. High School. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

John Elkins, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam, attended the Wellsville Veterans Day Assembly with his three children Max, 14, Johnnie, 16 and Greta Tice, 10. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)