BLUE MOUND -- As Meridian Intermediate School fourth-graders sang their closing number, "God Bless the USA," at their annual Veterans Day event on Friday, members of the audience rose to their feet spontaneously at the line, "I'll stand up next to you and defend her still today."

"Our favorite song was the last one," said Dalton Collins, 9. "We really meant it when we sang it."

More than one person in the audience was touched to tears by the children's presentation.

"I never get tired of hearing that song. Never," said Principal Paul Carlton.

The four fourth-grade teachers, Gay Clark, Linda Sargent, Cyndi Selby and Christina Field, organized the breakfast and program. Veterans and those currently serving in the military were invited to be honored and personally thanked by the children, who served breakfast and presented each veteran with a thank-you gift.

"I felt heart-joyful, because the veterans did so much for us and we didn't do that much for them," said Regan McKittrick, 9. "I mean, we did a program, but they did so much. They risked their lives, and I'm very thankful for that."

Every child wore a red T-shirt with "Got Freedom?" printed on the front, and on the back "Thank a Veteran!" For this, the sixth annual celebration, the gymnasium was full.

Navy Air Corps veteran Sid Rotz told the assembly, "I can't tell you how much I appreciate you remembering us. Believe you me, we will never forget you."

Lutheran School Association in Decatur also presented a Veterans Day program on Friday, with readings from student essays, performances from the choral and instrumental groups, a dramatic choral reading from the drama club and guest speakers.

Frank Whitehead, a Vietnam War Air Force veteran who was introduced by his first-grade grandson, Jacob, said he was "just an average guy" who served his country alongside many others just like him.

"Prayer was important to us," he said. We always knew the Lord was our companion everywhere we went."

Mayor Paul Osborne told the veterans they're his heroes. Sometimes, he said, everyone has a hard time connecting patriotism and Veterans Day with real people, but he wears a flag pin on his lapel to honor his son, Lt. Col. Fred Osborne, who is serving in Baghdad, Iraq.

"Nothing irritates me more than someone who would demean the service of our veterans," Osborne said. "You are the bravest and the brightest we have. On this Veterans Day, we need to remember the fight goes on."