The students at Ironton High School gathered in the auditorium Wednesday morning for a Veterans Day assembly as they learned history about the wars and the veterans who served.

Ironton High School principal Joe Rowe gave a welcome before turning the program over to the Varsity Singers, where patriotic songs kicked off the assembly.

Students in Brian Bowling and Mary Francis Gunderson’s government classes work on planning the assembly as well as conducting it.

“The classes put the assembly on and the students take a part in the representation of all the wars that have been fought,” Joe Rowe said.

Beginning with a history of Veterans Day, students proceeded to talk about the American Revolution, Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and the War on Terror, which was followed by teachers and staff who are veterans and students who are serving or planning to serve being recognized.

The Varsity Singers continued the program with another song thanking the veterans before Ironton High School first year biology teacher Patrick Buchanan spoke about his father growing up in Oklahoma among Native Americans and learning the skills needed to survive Omaha Beach of World War II.

Keynote speaker Dr. David Lucas, assistant professor of communications at Ohio University Southern and scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 106, concluded the assembly speaking of each element of the American Flag and what it means to be a scout and how that relates to veterans and the military.

“The stories that Mr. Buchanan had were real. He and Mr. Lucas gave students an appreciation of the commitment it takes to fight for our country,” Rowe said. “We’re very thankful to recognize all the vets for the service they’ve given to us.”