BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport Middle and High schools hosted their annual Veterans Day celebration Friday.

The event started with a breakfast, which was new this year. Eighth-graders in the talented and gifted program served a small group of local veterans.

Middle school Principal Anne Haverty Lawson said that although the group was small this year, she plans to double it for next year.

She said veterans from local American Legion posts and other organizations who attended the event plan to bring more people from their organizations.

After breakfast, all middle and high school students gathered in the cafetorium for the annual Veterans Day assembly. The assembly kicked off with high school Principal Jack Fisher welcoming all veterans who attended the event. The veterans sat on the stage during the event.

“We owe these men and women a debt of gratitude. We will always remember their sacrifices,” Fisher said.

The assembly featured student speeches and patriotic music by the middle and high school choir and band.

High school student Vanessa Mullen led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the middle and high school band led the “Star Spangled Banner.”

The middle and high school choir sang a medley of songs to honor each branch of the armed forces.

Eighth-grader Camden Dillon discussed what it means to be a hero. He said both of his parents are veterans – his mom was in the U.S. Army for four years and served one year in Iraq; his dad was in the Army for five years and was stationed in Korea for one year.

He said he wanted to honor all veterans and people in the military for the sacrifices that they have made.

“They are the glue that holds us together. … Veterans deserve to be celebrated and thanked. Today, I ask you to do the simple task of thanking a veteran,” he said.

Sixth-graders Courtney Moorehead and Josie Stanton read a thank-you letter that they wrote for veterans. They thanked the veterans for leaving everything behind to serve their country.

“I know I am safe because of you,” Moorehead said.

Seventh-grader Makenna Valentine wrote a poem about the “astounding bravery” that all veterans have shown.

Rowyn Herman, a high school student, discussed the significance of each branch of the armed forces.

“Veterans Day is a day dedicated to honoring and reflecting upon the sacrifices made by veterans. I am extremely grateful to be standing amongst these brave men and women here with us today to show my appreciation,” she said.

“They’re heroes, not just to their families or friends, but to all of us. We would not be protected if it wasn’t for our courageous military. Veterans Day isn’t just a day for veterans. It’s a day for all Americans. It’s a day to remember and be thankful for our military protection, our freedom and the freedom of many future generations,” Herman said.

Mullen gave a brief history of Veterans Day. She said that Veterans Day is on Nov. 11 to reference the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” during World War I.

“On Nov. 11, 1918, an armistice was signed between Germany and the allied nations which led to the end of the war,” she said.

Mullen said that the day was known as “Armistice Day,” which was later changed to Veterans Day.

Students Jasmine Gonzalez and Lucas Kurner played “Taps” to conclude the ceremony.

Several poster boards were on display honoring Charles George Reynolds, a World War II pilot and Bridgeport High School graduate who was declared missing in action in 1943. His remains were recently discovered and are now buried in Bridgeport with those of his parents.

The students also raised $200 to purchase flags and benefit Disabled American Veterans.

Fisher, who was just named principal in May, said the school has been hosting Veterans Day assemblies for many years but this was his first year emceeing the event.

“I’m just happy to carry it on,” he said.

Fisher said all student speakers volunteered to speak at the event. He said that the teachers selected students to speak from among the volunteers.