At the annual Blackridge Elementary School Veterans Day assembly, students performed songs of patriotism and gratitude for their special guests—family members, friends and neighbors who have served in the United States military. Principal David Butler told students that veterans are the heroes they should be looking up to and invited them to look them directly in the eye as they gave them a standing ovation.

Butler thanked the veterans for their service to their country and community, and for being examples to the students. “Just you coming helps them to learn about what respect is, what service to community and country is, what courage is,” he said, choking back tears. “Thank you. Thank you for your service and thank you for coming to our program. I hope that you felt their thanks and our thanks as a community.”