Students from Southport Middle School in Indianapolis, Indiana held a special program to honor local heroes ahead of Veterans Day on Nov. 8.
Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Charles McDaniel Jr., who lost his father in North Korea, gave the event’s keynote address.
“I think this is an incredibly important age group to let them start understanding the importance of things like freedom, serving in the military and what it might cost,” McDaniel said.
The children also gave a presentation to the audience based on a history lesson they had recently learned, the school orchestra performed “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” and the choir sang “Land of the Free.”
“For me it was really emotional,” said 8th grader Sam Brookshire to Fox 59. “I have a few relatives that were in the service and I would consider a future in that, so it means a lot to me to see everyone in the school come together.”
