OTSELIC – Because today marks Veterans Day, a time in which the country honors those who have served in the U.S. armed forces, students at Otselic Valley School paid their own tribute to local veterans this week in what’s become an annual ritual for the district.

On Monday, the Otselic Valley student body took part in a ceremony saluting local veterans for the sacrifices made. More than 10 veterans attended this year’s ceremony. The annual tribute, organized by the Otselic Valley chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), featured videos, color guard, “The Star Spangled Banner” performed by OV band and chorus, and messages of inspiration spoken by U.S. presidents at past Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington.

Otselic Valley agricultural teacher and FFA mentor (and former Army Reserve) Betty Ann Robinson described the ceremony as a perfect chance to honor those who served while also invoking a sense of nationalism among young students.

“The kids are the ones who pull this together each year,” she said. “It’s something they take very seriously.”

Robinson explained the event serves as much a learning opportunity as it does an American obligation.

“I think it’s important that students understand the history behind this day. We have people right here in our community who were part of World War II. Many people in our community were part of the Korean War, or part of the Persian Gulf War, or the Vietnam War, or part of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” she said. “I have many of my own former students now who are in the military. It’s important to honor all those people.”

OV FFA President Crystal Hayner addressed attending veterans, families and students on behalf of the FFA organization and the entire school district.