The sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces is not lost on the students of Lehighton Area Elementary Center.

During an assembly Friday to honor veterans, fifth grader Maddie Lusch told her classmates that while these heroes were stationed all around the world trying to defend our freedoms, there are many places they couldn’t be.

“These brave citizens sacrifice precious family time to serve our country to keep us safe,” Lusch said. “That means they miss birthdays, sporting events, and dance recitals. They aren’t even near home enough for a hug.”

Friday’s event featured several student speeches as well as musical performances including “America the Beautiful,” “My Country Tis of Thee,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and “God Bless America,” all led by music teacher Stephanie Kulpa.

“This day is about recognizing those who served honorably,” fifth grade student Shaniya Doyle said. “We appreciate all the hard work you have done for the United States to ensure our pursuit of happiness.”

Fellow fifth grader Milania Rapa said the men and women of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force bravely leave their families for the good of everyone.

“They risk their safety for our freedoms so that we citizens can enjoy our life of freedom of opportunity, freedom to be whoever we want to be,” Rapa said.

Veterans, fifth grader Ava Angelus said, help ensure basic rights such as of freedom of speech, of the press and of religion.

“Without our veterans,” Angelus said, “our country would not be free.”

Chase Miller, also in fifth grade, wrote a speech detailing the history of Veterans Day, celebrated each year on Nov. 11. Originally, Veterans Day was called Armistice Day.

It marked the peace treaty signed to end World War I to take effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

“We owe every veteran a big thank you for the sacrifices of their time, toil, and tears that they have given to our country,” Miller wrote.

Miller’s classmate, Camille McClintic, said veterans are to thank for turning the dreams of forefathers into reality.

“Without them,” she said, “we would not continue to be the land of opportunity.”

Many families, fifth grader Olive Hunt added, come from a long line of veterans who served our country.

“From my uncle who was in the Army, to my pop-pop in the Coast Guard, to my great uncle in the Air Force, to my great-grandpa in the Navy, they risked it all to defend our freedoms,” Hunt said.

Lehighton United Veterans Organization Commander Kevin “Spike” Long explained to students the difference between Armed Forces Day, which honors those serving in the military; Memorial Day, which honors those who died while serving the country; and Veterans Day, which honors those who have served in the military.

“Less than 1% of our total population makes the commitment to serve our nation,” Long said. “We owe so much to those who made that decision to serve and protect the freedoms we enjoy. Just remember everything you have, everything you enjoy doing is because of a veteran. To be in school, getting an education, or even being seated here in this assembly is because of a veteran.”