HAMPTON — Local United States military veterans were honored for their service to their nation at a special Veterans Day assembly held last week at Hampton Academy Junior High School.

The ceremony was arranged by teacher Pam Carr and librarian Pam Harland, who have replaced teacher Sheila Nudd in the organization of the annual student-council led event.

The guests of honor were joined by HAJH students and staff in the school's Eastman Gym. Welcomed by Principal Kevin Moran, those assembled stood at attention as a Winnacunnet High School MJROTC color guard carried the American and Marine Corps flags to the stage.

HAJH Guidance Counselor Cyndy Dow read a short history of the Pledge of Allegiance and a thoughtful and moving commentary on the Pledge that had been penned years ago by comedian Red Skelton. After those assembled had recited the Pledge, student Maria Martinez sang the "Star Spangled Banner," followed by Caitlin Kotkowski sharing a reading on "Veterans' Day Today" and Kaitlin O'Reilly revealing "What Veterans Day Means" -— a time "to remember the people who risked their lives to make our world a better place."

Then, accompanied by music teacher Elizabeth Peterson on the piano, sixth graders from Irene Grand's classroom sang an "Armed Forces Medley," during which several veterans stood up when their particular military song was performed.

'My Home, Sweet Home'
Hanna Anderson sang "God Bless America"
at the close of Hampton Academy Junior
High School's Veterans Day Assembly, held
last week in the school's Eastman Gym.
[Atlantic News Photo by Liz Premo]

Student Devon Brown read the memorable "In Flanders Fields," while Hanna Anderson, singing "God Bless America," was joined by those in the audience.

Principal Moran then closed the ceremony, thanking the students for their part in the program and asking them to "please take time to observe and remember friends, neighbors and veterans who made a sacrifice for this great nation."

HAJH staff and students gave the veterans an appreciative round of applause, and student council members took time to greet and to be thanked by their special guests before returning to their classrooms.