MOUNT VERNON — Schools throughout the area honored veterans this week in myriad of ways, including assemblies, songs and salutes.

Danville students and staff observed Veterans Day with two assemblies featuring keynote speaker Cpl. Thomas Orr, U.S. Marine Corps.

East Knox on Nov. 7 hosted a breakfast for veterans and family members, and followed the repast with an assembly honoring the attendees.

Centerburg held a rededication ceremony for the Freedom Shrine, which was moved from the old high school to the new facility. Three CHS graduates serving in the military were present for the ceremony, as were representatives from AMVETS Post 59.

“Making the Freedom Shrine a reality in our building is a great way to recognize and honor all those who have come before us,” principal John Morgan said. “They made such tremendous sacrifices that allow us to enjoy the liberties that we do today.”

At Pleasant Street Elementary, the children learned and performed patriotic songs, and visited Ryan Martin’s memorial bench in front of the school as a tribute to all veterans. Martin was a former Pleasant Street student, killed on duty in Iraq.

Dan Emmett and Twin Oak students invited parents and veterans to an all-school assembly. At Twin Oak, the children sang a collection of patriotic songs, and a series of student speakers talked about Veterans Day. The program concluded with Sgt. 1st Class Michael Eaton playing “Taps” on the trumpet. The students also put service members’ and veterans names on a star to be displayed in the gym on a “Wall of Honor.”

Mount Vernon High School seniors delivered thank-you cards to area veterans in nursing and retirement homes. At 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the entire building population stood at attention while a sideshow of the United States military, past and present, was shown. On Wednesday and Thursday, veterans were talking with students in their classrooms, sharing their experiences. The school also kicked off its annual Treats for Troops campaign for deployed personnel.

Fredericktown held an assembly for all students in kindergarten through grade 12. The ROTC color guard from the Knox County Career Center posted and retired the colors. The junior high choir sang the national anthem and middle school principal Emily Funston read the President’s Veterans Day Proclamation. Students then honored the veterans in the audience as they stood, introduced themselves, and told when and where they served.