The weather wasn’t picture perfect, but the Paton-Churdan students, staff and community members honored area military veterans during a special program Monday.

The Veterans Day Program included several musical offerings from P-C students such as the National Anthem sung by the high school choir, “God Bless America” by the 4th graders and “You’re A Grand Old Flag” from the 1st graders. The American Legion Post #198 Adjutant John Lonergan was the keynote speaker and he talked about the Veterans Memorial at the Highland Township Cemetery, along with the Legion taking over maintenance of the Freedom Park in Churdan.

Other students gave hand-painted rocks and “thank you” messages to those veterans in attendance. A special acknowledgement was given to those veterans that have passed away since last year’s Veterans Day. Those individuals were” Ivan Curtis, Leroy Miller, Clare Hunter, Dwayne “Shorty” Clark, Ron Toliver and Jerry Geisler. Each was remembered with a rose laying on an empty chair. P-C Principal Annie Smith talked about the importance of having students be involved in the program.

“It’s just really important for us to make sure these experiences live on each and every year. So it’s really important for our students to be educated and to understand the importance of having the veterans, not only in our community, but just around the state. It’s just really nice to be able to include everybody and then just to see the cycle continue to move on.”

The program ended with the playing of Taps from community member Wayne Lautner.