They are without question the solid-steel backbone of our nation.

That’s why veterans were recognized with a program Thursday morning in the Lehighton Area Middle School auditorium.

Principal Stephen Ebbert welcomed guests, including members of the Lehighton United Veterans Organization.

Kevin “Spike” Long, commander of the Lehighton United Veterans Organization, presented the posting of the colors. Lydia Weller led the national anthem.

Ebbert explained to the students how Armistice Day eventually became Veterans Day, and said that in 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was removed from a World War I cemetery in Europe, and was brought back to the United States and buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

He said the site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., “became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.”

Ceremonies also took place in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in Westminster Abbey and the Arc de Triomphe.

Ebbert said. “These memorial gestures all took place on Nov. 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918 (the eleventh hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This soldier now lies in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”

Ebbert said on Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American War dead were brought from overseas and buried in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War 1.

“One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War,” he said. “In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was placed alongside the others.”

Ebbert noted every year a National Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery for Veterans Day and continues to focus around the Tomb of the Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb.

“The nation’s tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath (the bugler plays “taps”),” he said. “The laying of a presidential wreath honors all who served our nation protecting our Constitution and our democratic way of life.”

In 1954, Congress passed the bill that then President Dwight Eisenhower signed proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.

“Today, we gather as a school community to honor and remember the sacrifices and service of all those who entered our armed forces in defense of our nation and our freedoms,” he said.

Students Kennedy Quinn, Luke Haydt, Lexi Gelatko, Lucas Vorhees and Connor Loy read excerpts from President Joe Biden’s Proclamation on Veterans Day.

A video Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor was shown, and Tiffany Strausberger, assistant middle school principal, introduced Diane Horan, a representative of Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor.

Horan said many veterans suffer so much, which is why she got involved with Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor.

“I wanted to help the veterans that suffer that no one knows about,” said Horan, who choked up as she spoke.

Horan explained that Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor’s mission is to provide rehabilitation through nonmedicinal therapies by training service canines for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries and physical disabilities.

“When you see a veteran, say thank you for their service,” she said. “We really need to honor, respect and acknowledge their service.”

Strausberger said the school was proud of the students who took part in a Halloween dance and decided to “pay it forward,” raising $800 for Tails of Valor.

Strausberger then read a Veterans Day poem.

Long showed the students a video that recognized all the branches of the military.

That was followed by the playing of taps, 2 minutes of silence, and the retiring of the colors.

After the program, members of the Lehighton UVO on hand received Thank You for Your Service cards courtesy of the school’s eighth-grade Life Skills students.

Student Council provided a lunch for veterans in the school cafeteria.