A way to honor them’: Schools recognize veterans

Greater Johnstown School District, along with Conemaugh Valley Veterans, held its 19th annual Veterans Day breakfast on Thursday at Greater Johnstown Middle School in the Hornerstown section of Johnstown.“We do this every year to honor our vets, and it’s grown every year,” said Cynthia Ahlborn, president of Greater Johnstown school board. “The first year we started out with about 40 or 50 veterans who showed up and now have anywhere from 200 to 300 veterans.”The veterans were treated to a performance by middle school students, who sang patriotic songs and presented military themed skits.

They also led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.“We are honored to do this,” Ahlborn said. “It gives our students an opportunity to learn about the sacrifices veterans make, and that’s what Veterans Day is all about. It’s not just a day off from school.”Navy Seabee veteran Daniel Till, of Johnstown, was attending the breakfast for the first time.“This is excellent what the kids do,” he said. “It’s good recognition for the veterans and the veterans appreciate it.

”He said Veterans Day is a day for people to say thank you to those who have fought for our freedoms.“Civilian people don’t realize what veterans go through – the training, being away from home. And you’re 19 years old and you’re dragged out of your house for four years and have you go away to foreign countries,

” Till said. “It can be quite traumatic.”Ahlborn said the program gives students a chance to meet people who have had an influence on their life.“It’s really important for them to understand that you don’t have to know who’s influencing you, but there’s always people out there who are doing something for you.

”At Forest Hills Junior/Senior High School, students welcomed 84 veterans for its annual Veterans Day breakfast and recognition program.“We began this program six years ago as a way to get the entire school involved in community service and giving back to the community,” said Judy McIntyre, a coordinator of the program and teacher at the school.

“Everybody has a veteran in their family, so it’s a way to honor them.”The assembly included patriotic songs, a slideshow presentation and recognition of veterans in attendance.Each veteran received a plaque that was made by students in the tech-ed department.“Every day we must never forget the sacrifices the men and women have made for our country,” McIntyre said.

“We have a wonderful community in the Forest Hills School District and they’re all about giving back and honoring, so today is a celebration.”