Several Veterans Day programs were held throughout the week last week, including Faircrest Memorial Middle School and Sandy Valley schools.

Faircrest held their program on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The event was the schools 10th, and approximately 350 area veterans attended the breakfast and program.

The Veterans Day program was held at Sandy Valley Elementary on Friday, Nov. 14. The event was held in the cafetorium and was open to community veterans and their families.

The ceremony began with posting of the colors by members of the Isaac Kinney American Legion Post of Color Guard. Fifth-grader Luke Kail then led the crowd with the Pledge of Allegiance. The national anthem was sang, followed by members of the 5th grade class singing "America, A Sight for All."

Superintendent David Janofa welcomed the many who attended the event. Board of education president Kenneth Grigsby presented a honor diploma to area veteran Vic Yoho. Sandy Valley high school senior Sara Lehman then sang the alma mater, and fellow senior Sam Gindlesberger delivered an explanation and origins of the holiday.

Isaac Kinney America Legion Post member Terry Potter shared a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony. Taps was played by high school band members Jeremy Cain and Jaime Bueno, then Potter presented the new Sandy Valley Elementary with a school flag. Fifth grade student Logan Fredrick and building supervisor Kaye Pomesky received the flag on behalf of the school.

Flag banners from each branch of the armed forces were presented by the students, and members of each branch were asked to stand and be recognized while their flag and song were presented.

The fifth grade students then sang "America the Free," Rebekah Gager delivered closing comments and members of the Legion retired the colors.

After the ceremony, students returned to class as veterans were invited to a reception with brunch in the library. The veterans were able to visit with each other, staff members and several high school student council members.