HIGHLANDTOWN - "And all I can say is thank you."

In word and song, that was the message delivered to area veterans Wednesday as Southern Local Schools celebrated Veterans Day at an assembly for students and the community.

Included in a reading by student Troy Smith, the phrase aptly described the purpose of the assembly held after a continental breakfast in the cafeteria to which all veterans were invited.

Prior to the program, guests were able to view collages made by junior high students depicting their visit to the Moving Vietnam Wall and national monument recreated by second graders.

Veterans were also presented with poppies made by kindergarten students and thank you cards made by various classes.

The John Adams American Legion Post 442 of Salineville started the program with trooping the colors, followed by first grade students explaining the Pledge of Allegiance which they then led for the appreciative crowd.

With members of the Legion demonstrating in the background, Cub Scout Pack 39 members offered an explanation of each fold of the American flag when it is folded into the well-known triangle shape.

Students performed a variety of patriotic numbers, with high school students giving readings and recitation, and high school Principal Carol Vollnogle said those students chosen to participate have a family member in the military, explaining their emotions as they read.

Vollnogle herself became emotional at times, with her own son currently serving in the Marines.

The senior high band and chorus also performed.

As the band played "Marches of the Armed Forces," Vollnogle invited veterans in the audience to stand and be recognized as the songs for their branches of the military were played.

About 60 veterans were recognized who served or are currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard. They served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and served in Germany, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Europe, Asia, Africa, Baghdad, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, in the states and "everywhere," including a nuclear missile silo.

Some, like Charlie Stoffel and Ben Jakubowski, were prisoners of war; others are either in basic training or waiting deployment to Iraq.

Regardless where they have been or where they are going, "There's something in a soldier that makes him stand apart," according to an essay by student Savanna Boals.