HAHIRA —  “A veteran is unselfish, someone who is not afraid to stand up for what is right. Veterans have served countless hours for our country. To know a veteran is an honor.” These are just a few lines from Valwood’s annual veteran’s day program. 

The school will honor veterans from World War II to present day during a program at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 12 in Rodgers Performance Hall on Valwood’s campus. More than 150 veterans traditionally attend the event, the school said in a press release.

This year marks the 16th year of the program. Seventeen years ago, a Valwood middle school student wrote a letter to thank a veteran for his service and the gentleman was so touched that he came to the school to eat lunch with the student. The annual program started the following year. The invitations are still hand-written by middle school students. 

The program has grown tremendously since the idea was born that day, Valwood said. Eighth graders write their own scripts and perform solos and duets during the program. Some songs and solos are performed by upper school students as well. Sixth and seventh graders serve as the chorus. They begin practicing in September. Each branch of the military is recognized and asked to stand during their respective branch’s song. 

Following the program, veterans are treated to a brunch with the middle school students. Often upper school students come to the program to say hello to “their” veteran from when they were in middle school and performed in the program.