SANDPOINT — Students, teachers and veterans from several military branches gathered at Sandpoint Middle School Monday to celebrate Veterans Day and honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

Veterans from the community were invited to the gymnasium, which was decorated with posters celebrating constitutional values ​​and handwritten letters from students recognizing and thanking service members for their commitment to the nation.

“I did a survey recently and found that in our school, among our staff, more than half of them have a loved one who is a veteran,” said SMS Principal Geoff Penrose, to the participants. “It’s part of the Bullpup community. It’s part of who we are.

During the assembly, local veterans shared their service experiences and the school band performed a series of marches, including a suite of official songs from the U.S. military branches.

Penrose recognized the four SMS personnel who had served in the military and encouraged students to recognize and appreciate the service members around them.

“Think about the veterans in your life: the men and women around you all day, every day, who took the time and committed to serving their country,” Penrose said.

“I encourage you today to go out and really engage with these people…maybe, just maybe, a life of service or a short stint of service could also be something you choose for your life . »