Reagan Elementary in Clovis hosts assembly and breakfast for veterans

Veterans Day may have come to an end, but celebrating and honoring veterans has not.

A special assembly was held Thursday morning to honor veterans of families and staff.

Each of them was recognized by name.

A student read the poem "America's White Table."

"It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that some are missing from our ranks," she read.

The assembly was created in part by Bailey Ettner.

Her brother Anthony - or Tony - Butterfield was part of the Buchanan 8, a group of soldiers and Marines from Buchanan High School who died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"So I just wanted to make sure that these students are here to honor and celebrate the veterans, and that they know that they're walking alongside heroes every day," Ettner said.

Over the last few weeks, students read about Veterans Day, did arts and crafts and took part in an essay contest.

Harper Ely won the essay contest and read her work aloud.

"Veterans fought so we could have a voice, so we could honor them when we use our voices when we stand up for what's right," Ely read.

She said she wanted it to impact her fellow students.

"I hope that they learn how important it is to vote, how important veterans are for our country and that they keep us safe," Ely said.

The assembly wrapped up with students singing "You're a grand old flag."

Immediately following the assembly, the veterans and their families were treated to a special breakfast.

The room was lined with student artwork.

U.S. Army veteran Chris Brezman showed us a drawing one of his grandkids created.

He says he wasn't expecting the event.

"I was a little surprised, but my grandkids asked me to come, and I was honored," Brezman said.

He says he also appreciated the detail that went into it.

"I think it's great that we instill a sense of history and patriotism into our young children because it's important for them to know where we came from, how this connection was born, and where it's going," Brezman said.

Ettner says she hopes students were left with a lasting impression and recognize why veterans are heroes.

"I hope the lesson learned here is that freedom isn't free, and these men and women and their families have sacrificed a lot. It's just a way that they understand that we're here and we need to be good citizens to respect them because they've made sacrifices for us," Ettner said.

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