By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

More than a dozen veterans were among the crowd that gathered Friday in Centre gymnasium for an annual Veterans Day program.

Each veteran was recognized, giving his or her name and area of service. Nine served in the Army, three in the Air Force, and two in the Navy. Each received a bag of candy and a star-shaped balloon in red, white, or blue.

Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade music students opened the program by singing theme songs of each military services.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students waved flags as they sang a flag song.

First and second-grade students waved larger flags as they performed an allegiance rap.

Other elementary grades, the junior high choir, and the high school choir also performed.

The meeting closed with a song, “More than a Flag,” sung by all students and dedicated to veterans and their families.

Music director Amy Harms said her students started to learn patriotic songs at the beginning of the year and learned more as the year progressed.

“They take it seriously,” veteran Joe Zinn said.

Refreshments were served to the veterans and families after the program.