Students throughout the Mentor Public School District are taking part in special lessons and ceremonies this week honoring our nation's veterans.

At Mentor High School on Wednesday, social studies students observed a moving Veterans Day presentation featuring patriotic songs performed by the MHS Concert Mixed Choir, a bagpipe perofmance of Silver Wings by Mentor Firefighter Mike Smith and the presentation of colors by the George E. Hayward VFW Post 9295.

Speakers included Bud Spreng, Commander of VFW Post 9295; Army Sgt. Joshua C. Robb; Mentor Police Chief Dan Llewellyn; MHS Principal Joe Spiccia and MHS Student Body Vice President Rachel Welch.

Students were reminded of the importance of thanking our country's men and women in uniform for their extraordinary sacrifices that have given us all the great freedoms we cherish. Each speaker offered a unique perspective, both military and civilian, on what Veterans Day means to them.

The observance concluded with a performance of Taps by MHS band members Caylee Watkins, Brad Sumiejski and Mike Guynn, followed by the Alma Mater, performed by the MHS Mixed Choir.

Thank you to all Veterans for all that you have done to allow our nation and its schools to prosper.