The students at W.O. Parmer Elementary School joined in a celebration of the men and women who serve their nation in peacetime and war during “A Salute to the Brave” Veterans Day Program on Thursday.

The event, postponed from Tuesday after the schools were closed due to Ida, saw students and veterans participating in the tribute. All veterans present were given seats of honor at the front of the gymnasium.

Second grade students Clayton Skipper and Shakera Lee lead those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Retired educator and Legionnaire Gene Autrey and Sgt. Chris Stinson, a soldier who has served in Iraq, shared their thoughts about the military’s service to the United States.

“The reason we serve our country is so you can enjoy watching cartoons, and playing with toys. It’s so you can enjoy Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and be able to ride the bus to school every day. We do this for you,” Stinson said.

Stinson and the veterans present at the event received an enthusiastic ovation from students and faculty.

Sarah Nix, Danaysia Smith, Javon Allen, Ashlynn Winn and Parker Thomas joined Skipper and Lee in presenting some of 35 care packages put together for soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Students brought items donated by their families to help fill the boxes.

The students also gave the veterans present a treat with their performance of “America,” directed by Mrs. Moseley.