Veterans from New York Mills Post 3289 attended a short ceremony at the school for students in grades 5-12 in honor of Veteran's Day. After advancing the colors the high school band performed the Navy Hymn and principal Matt Aker delivered a speech to the students.
Aker first welcomed those in attendance and thanked the veterans who have served freedom's cause.
"Since the founding of our great United States, some 48 million men and women have served in the United States military... that's correct, over 48 million. Every single one of them has served to preserve and advance the most important thing we as Americans have come to know - human freedom. Every one of the veterans throughout time has certainly earned America's permanent gratitude. To protect the nation that they loved, and to protect everyone that has ever called America home, our veterans have always stepped forward when America has needed them the most. They have done it in a manner that undoubtedly has earned respect and gratitude of a grateful nation."
Aker continued later in the speech: "Not every veteran has seen the full fury of battle, but the military has still drawn the best out of them. In return, the experience has instilled in our service men and women the highest standards of diligence, discipline and loyalty. Those enduring qualities have formed a bond that America has come to love as well with its service men and women. If they take that oath to protect our country, to fight for our country... to die for our country."
