HAMMOND — Hammond Central School District hosted their 3rd annual Veterans

Day celebration Nov. 8.

This event is organized by the Shared Decision Making Committee, and planning starts in September.

“This event was a great opportunity to honor our veterans and to teach the students about the importance of patriotism,” the school said in a press release.

Friends, family and community members who are present of former military are invited to a free breakfast with the students who invited them.

The food is ordered and paid for by the Hammond Teachers Association.

Following the meal, there was a ceremony to honor the veterans.

The pledge of allegiance was recited and Mike L’Abbe, a retired Army helicopter pilot who is married to a Hammond Central teacher, was the guest speaker.

The senior chorus sand the national anthem and taps were performed by the flagpole in front of the school.

This year, over 30 veterans attended the event. Children in the school that are related to the veterans also ate breakfast with them. About 100 people enjoyed the meal together.

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Photo submitted by Hammond Central School.