Hurley school honors Veterans

HURLEY - Veterans, students and community members gathered to celebrate a belated Veterans Day on Friday morning at the Hurley K-12 School.

After the Hurley VFW Post 1580 presented the colors, led by post commander Ron Zaleski, the Hurley high school band played the National Anthem.

Sixth grade students Morgan Nasi, Caleb Londre, Jackie Bradley and Brooke Saari led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Afterwards, principal Jeff Gulan welcomed all in attendance and reminded everyone to "consider the sacrifice" veterans have made, and he thanked veterans for "keeping America strong and free."

The keynote speaker was U.S. Army Recruit Command Daniel E. Anderson.

Anderson has been in the Army for 10 years and said he hopes to remain for "10 more," and retire when he's 37 years old.

His initial duties in the Army were as a mechanic, but he soon moved on to be part of the infantry, and he served as convoy security both in and out of Iraq. He now serves as an Army recruiter.

Anderson said he loves his job, and that "brave actions of our veterans have turned the pages of history."

He said there are three things everyone should know:

-"Soldiers, our veterans, are soldiers for life."

-"The Army is committed to the lifelong success of our soldiers."

-"We cannot do this alone."

He said that those in the military and those at home are all part of the plan for keeping our country safe and free.

"Once a soldier, you are a soldier for life," he said.

The high school band, directed by Jesika Cane, then played "The Civil War," a musical selection arranged by James D. Polyhar.

Hurley's junior-senior high school choir sang "Thank you, Soldiers," by Michael and Angela Sounders, under the direction of Deb Wahlberg.

The program concluded with the withdrawal of colors and closing thanks from Gulan.