Duncombe First Graders Celebrate Veterans - from The Messenger

A chorus of small voices singing a medley of patriotic tunes like "The Star-Spangled Banner," "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "You're a Grand Old Flag" filled the first grade pod at Duncombe Elementary School on Thursday afternoon.

The first graders had welcomed local veterans to the school for a Veterans Day program.

"It is so great to be able to have a Veterans Day program here in person in our school," Duncombe Principal Ryan Flaherty said. "We're so glad that you can join us in person and we can say thank you in person."

Flaherty noted that the students have been working hard to prepare for this program and that the school starts every day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

"We try to show honor and gratitude not only for our country, but for the people that have defended it," Flaherty said.

The classes sang their medley of patriotic songs and a few students read notes of thanks to the veterans in attendance. They finished the program with some cookies and juice in the school cafeteria.

A handful of community chorus singers volunteered to sing the hymns of the branches of the United States armed forces.