Members of the American Legion Leo Carey Post 56 carry the U.S. flag out of the Lakeview Elementary School gymnasium Monday at the close of a Veterans Day program. –Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Students at Lakeview honor veterans

Lakeview Elementary School fourth- and fifth-graders thanked area veterans for their military service Monday during a program of songs and short speeches in the school’s gymnasium.

Roxanne Irons, music teacher at the school, said she hopes the program taught the children a sense of patriotism.

“We’re honoring people who have served,” Irons said. “It’s a good history lesson as well as a music lesson.”

The Veterans Day program began with a presentation of the American flag by members of American Legion Leo Carey Post 56 and Boy Scouts. There was a full-house crowd of teachers, veterans and parents in attendance.

Some of the songs performed included the “Star Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America” and “God Bless the USA,” among others. There was also a slideshow with pictures of local soldiers.

“We’re thanking our veterans for everything they’ve done,” said student Mason Buendorf. “I’m thankful for our freedom.”

Members of the American Legion Leo Carey Post 56 carry the U.S. flag out of the Lakeview Elementary School gymnasium Monday at the close of a Veterans Day program. –Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

He said he had one grandfather and two cousins who are veterans.

Student Gretta Larson said she, too, had several family members who have served in the military, including her father, multiple grandfathers, her great-grandfather and her sister’s boyfriend.

“We’re proud that they served,” Larson said.

Larson’s mother, Kristin, said she hopes the students remember the value of Veterans Day as they get older.

“We definitely don’t want this to fade away,” she said. “This is our history.”

The fourth- and fifth-graders perform the Veterans Day program each year.