Over 40 veterans, including Legionnaires from Clearwater, Clear Lake and St. Augusta, were honored Monday during Clearview Elementary’s annual Veteran’s Day Program.

After a welcome from Principal Sheri Rutar, the Color Guard Posted the Colors with help from Clearview’s Boy and Girl Scouts, and everyone in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang The Star Spangled Banner.

This year members of the student council read the histories of the five branches of armed service, asking veterans from each branch to stand to be recognized. The song for each was then sang by different grades.

Students, staff and guests sang God Bless America and You’re a Grand Old Flag. MIAs and POWs were paid tribute to as The Veteran’s Table was explained.

“We salute our heroes that guard and protect our freedom every day,” said Rutar, who emceed the program along with teacher Patti Clymer. “Clearview is committed to making our younger generation appreciative of your sacrifice.”

The students then sang Thank You Soldiers with all the veterans in attendance standing in front, and the program concluded with the haunting melody of Taps, performed by Tech High School student Josie Green.

After Retiring the Colors, guests and veterans were invited to the lunchroom for refreshments and to view the schools “Wall of Heroes” in the hallway. Each veteran was handed a flower on their way out.

Clearview holds their Veteran’s Day ceremony each year to thank and honor local veterans and to help ensure students are aware of the people who have sacrificed for their country. A memorial honoring U.S. military veterans is located in front of the school.