Service and sacrifice, commitment and comrades, help and history — these were the themes woven into the Veterans Day program Wednesday at Pleasant Valley Middle School.

“The veterans enjoy spending the afternoon here, socializing in the library and having refreshments, and then taking part in the assembly,” said Chris Chandler, PVMS dean of students and chair of the Veterans Day assembly committee for the second year.

Dennis Schall, who retired from the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant, was one of four guest speakers among the dozens of veterans who sat with their student and other family members.

“We know that life, like military training, can be a struggle, and timely intervention can change the whole trajectory,” Schall said.

“It is OK to ask for help. I did and am very grateful for Henry.”

Henry, who is part Australian cattle dog and part German shepherd, has been by Schall’s side for the past two years helping him with his post-traumatic stress disorder.

Henry stood near Schall at the podium, and also got applause from the audience for his service.

“It’s important to know that I’ve got your back until you can stand on your own again,” said Schall, who worked in military intelligence.

Matthew Walters, who served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2011 and was a sergeant, said the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack led him to join the Army when he graduated from Pleasant Valley in 2002.

“Traditions are very cool,” he said. “The men and women sitting here didn’t get to do some of these traditions, like Thanksgiving dinner with family or attending a birthday party, while they were abroad.”

Walters asked the students several questions. He had them salute him if they knew the answer and wanted to share it with the crowd.

Anderson Munoz, Army sergeant 1st class, and Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Michael C. Reyes were the other two guest speakers. Both spoke about the importance or helping their comrades and serving their community.

“Rank does automatically make you a leader,” said Reyes. “It’s earned by your actions.”

Munoz encouraged the students to be kind, work hard and respect everyone.

School Principal Tim McCutchan gave an historical account of how Veterans Day became a national holiday.

In 1918, an armistice to end World War I was signed between the Allies and Germany “at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month,” McCutchan said.

On the first anniversary in 1919, Armistice Day was celebrated with ceremonies and laying wreaths.

In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the holiday’s name to Veterans Day to honor veterans who served during wartime and peace time.

The middle school chorus sang a few patriotic songs, including “America, O Thee I Sing” and “God Bless America,” and later the middle school band played each branch’s song as a student presented its flag and the veterans who served in that branch stood up.

A few students read poems by Joanna Fuchs. Kauai Butler read “The Noble and the Brave,” while Liam Kuehner read “Without Them.”

The poems spoke of soldiers’ service and sacrifice.

“The students appreciate what the veterans have done while serving the country,” Chandler said. “They enjoy hearing the stories.”