CHENANGO COUNTY – Every year on Nov. 11 the men and women who make up the United States Armed Forces are honored for their service to our country, but this year, the communities of Otselic Valley and Sherburne held events that were slightly different than the norm.

On Friday,Otselic Valley’s Elementary School invited local veterans to join them for a special edition of their weekly morning program. The students, teachers and staff prepared a program to honor all of their local heroes.

According to one of the program coordinators, sixth grade teacher Robin Leinbach, 21 past and current members of the armed forces attended the celebration, which has been growing every year since the school began the program.

Fifth and sixth graders took the stage, and discussed their thoughts about veterans. “War isn’t the best thing, but when it is critical, it’s got to happen,” said fifth grader Wesley Pickles. “Our entire country is grateful for the veterans who gave their lives to protect our country,” said fifth grader Christopher O’Hara.