Ebenezer Middle School honored the nation’s military service members with its annual Veterans Day Assembly. The program is entirely student-led.

Students Megan Deyhle and Calista Shearouse gave a history of Veterans Day. Lindsey Culbertson and Erik Robinson recognized “EMS heroes” – faculty and staff members who have served in the military.

Three students were recognized as Veterans Day essay winners: Trisha Patel, sixth grade; Kylie Bochet, seventh grade; and Saree Maitre, eighth grade. All three students read their winning essays to the audience.

The Ebenezer Middle band and chorus performed several patriotic selections, including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America, The Beautiful,” “Song for Unsung Heroes” and a medley of the marches of the armed forces.

The guest speaker was U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Major (ret.) Tony Sutphin, chaplain of the West Chatham Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Sutphin was one of several local veterans who attended the program.

“What you kids had to say was wonderful. As a veteran, I thank you,” Sutphin said as he took the podium. “Veterans are special people. And I hope to make you a little more aware of that today.”

Principal Amie Dickerson thanked everyone who was part of the assembly. “Most of all, thanks to the veterans who continue to keep America free,” she said.

Josh McElveen, a trumpet player in the EMS band, concluded the program by playing “Taps.”

For more photos from Ebenezer Middle’s Veterans Day Assembly, go to http://community.effinghamherald.net/gallery/