HERMANN — Area military veterans were honored Tuesday morning with a meal and assembly hosted by Hermann High School students. It appeared that about 75 to 80 veterans took part in the morning’s activities.

Dr. Stan Hall of Hermann, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps was the guest speaker, giving the students and staff assembled for the program in the gymnasium a history lesson stretching back to the Continental Congress, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of this nation. Next July 4 this country will celebrate its 250th birthday.

“As far as nations go, we’re just middle aged, but we’ve accomplished a lot,” Hall said. After a historical look at the nation, Hall spoke about his personal experiences as a hospital corpsman first in the U.S. Navy and then as a member of the Marine Corps. It was his military training that prepared him for a career in healthcare. Today, Hall is a retired physician and serves as president of the Gasconade County Health Department’s Board of Trustees.

The assembly included performances by the HHS Kammerchor, the honors choir, under the direction of vocal music instructor Mashaar Gabathuler and the HHS Wind Ensemble under the direction of band instructor Colton Bunkley. The Color Guard was provided by Hermann VFW Post 4182.

In remarks to the veterans and the audience seated in the bleachers, Gasconade County R-1 School District Superintendent Geoff Neill said Veterans Day “is more than a day on the calendar.” He said all military veterans share a common trait: A willingness to serve.

The superintendent also pointed out that showing appreciation to veterans goes beyond simply saying “Thank you for your service.” “It’s about carrying their values into our daily lives,” he said.

The annual Veterans Day event — this year marks the 26th edition — is sponsored by the HHS FCCLA Chapter and involved students who served the meals to the veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.