NEW BERLIN – Veterans were cheered and offered up a heart-felt “thank you” from some of America’s budding citizens at the Unadilla Valley Elementary School’s annual Veterans Day program on Monday.

Dozens of veterans from every branch of the armed services were invited to take part in the ceremony. According to administrators, the event held in the auditorium Monday morning served a two-fold purpose: to recognize those who served; and to teach students about the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

“I think it’s very important to have a program like this in any school in any community,” said UV Elementary Principal Christopher Harper. “We have a lot of veterans in our community who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This program is here to thank them and recognize them for their service and what they did for all of us.”