On Nov. 10, Pequea Valley Intermediate School (PVIS) held its annual Veterans Day event. Fifteen veterans, along with family members, were escorted to the library by seventh- and eighth-grade students when they arrived at the school at noon. The veterans enjoyed a buffet of sandwiches, pasta salad, chips, and cookies, sitting at high-top tables and on couches.

PVIS assistant principal Christy Collins welcomed the gathering, saying, "I hope you feel honored for the sacrifice you have made for our country. We hope you feel that from our staff and our kids."

Following the luncheon, an assembly was held in the school gymnasium. The event opened with a patriotic medley played by members of the PVIS and Pequea Valley High School bands. The medley was followed by the national anthem sung a capella by Brave Sounds, under the direction of music teacher Alicia Trescavage. Trescavage then sang "God Bless America."

William Darras, one of the organizers of the event, spoke briefly, saying, "Today we honor veterans who placed their lives on the line for our freedom and remember those who are currently fighting for our freedom. We thank them for the freedoms we currently have."

Darras introduced teacher Taylor Croft, who spoke on the history of Veterans Day, explaining that it was first called Armistice Day. "In the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918, fighting between the Allied forces and Germany ceased, marking the end of World War I," he said. "We mark that solemn occasion with our observance of Veterans Day each Nov. 11. Croft noted that President Woodrow Wilson first signed the proclamation of Armistice Day, which Congress made a national holiday in 1938. He noted that in 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day "to honor those who died and all living veterans." "These brave men and women have assured the freedom and democracy we enjoy today," he said. "We owe these veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude."

Gabby Hunt, Student Council president, introduced the veterans who were present, including each name, branch of service, and rank, along with the number of years of service.

Student Annika Hofstetter offered the band assembly remarks, introducing the "Marches of the Armed Forces" and inviting each veteran to stand when the song representing his or her branch of the service was played. Hofstetter also spoke on the history of taps, which originally was a signal to extinguish lights at a military encampment. She noted that in 2012, Congress recognized taps as a national song of remembrance. "Taps is played to pay tribute to all veterans who served our nation honorably but are no longer with us," she said.

Collins explained that following the assembly, the veterans told their stories to the homeroom classes, and students created military lawn signs to honor them. D & L Bensinger military vehicles were parked outside the school for students and veterans to see as well.