Great Bend High School students and staff honored veterans on Tuesday with the annual GBHS Veterans Days program. Veterans were invited to stop by the Commons Area for breakfast before attending an all-school assembly in the gym.

They were entertained with musical numbers “The Star Spangled Banner,” “God Bless the USA” and “Salute to Freedom” from choir and orchestra students. The band played “The U.S. Armed Forces Medley,” and veterans were invited to stand as the theme song from their branch of the service was performed.

This year’s keynote address was delivered by Sergeant First Class Aaron C. Parr, Ellinwood, a distinguished veteran of the Kansas National Guard and a proud GBHS graduate from the Class of 2005. He praised “the living legacy of those who have worn the uniform with honor.”

“Their courage and sacrifice have protected the freedoms we often take for granted, and their stories should continue to inspire us to be better and to do more and to give back,” Parr continued.”It’s an honor to stand here before you today as we gather to reflect on that courage, sacrifice and dedication of our nation’s veterans. Veterans Day is not just a date on the calendar. It’s a moment for us to take time and express our gratitude to those men and women who have served in the armed forces, both ere at home and around the world. To the veterans in the room, whether you’ve served in combat, support roles, or in times of peace, your contributions are immeasurable.”

Activities Director Matt Westerhaus introduced Parr after giving his own speech that included a history lesson on the origin of Veterans Day.

“America’s freedoms and liberties remain ours to control,” he said. “If we value anything more than freedom, we will lose our freedom. We may be certain about many things in America today, but one should have no reason to be uncertain about the respect and honor we owe to those who have served in this nation’s armed forces.”