During a celebration of Veterans Day at Mountain View Elementary School on Monday, a sea of elementary schoolers peered back at more than a dozen guest veterans.

Principal Hannah Dolphin said the annual assembly is important because it teaches children that “these people who have served our community and our state and our country” are some of their own neighbors.

“A big part of it is making kids more aware of the world beyond our school,” she said. “Understanding the seriousness and the importance of the armed forces. There’s so many in our community, and it’s such a big part of being Kenai’s neighborhood school.”

The celebration opened with a presentation of the colors by the American Legion Post 20’s color guard and a brief introduction by Dolphin, who called Veterans Day a time to “reflect on the dedication and courage of the men and women who have served our country.”

“Recognizing the service of others helps instill respect and gratitude,” she said. “By honoring our veterans, we teach our children about the values that keep our country strong.”

Emmalee Elordi, of Kenai Central High School, sang the National Anthem. Mountain View students Brooklyn and Nora read a Veterans Day poem.

Dolphin introduced each of the veterans gathered on Monday by name and by branch of service. Represented were the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

A group of four Mountain View students, Miles, Rosalie, Aria and Owen, spoke to the history of Veterans Day. They said the celebration had begun as Armistice Day, to mark the end of World War I, later being renamed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans.

Veterans, the students said, could be anyone — their neighbors, family members or even teachers. They offered thanks to the veterans both in the room and without, a call that was later echoed by all the hundreds of students gathered in the school’s gym for the assembly.

Led with the count of three, each voice called out “thank you for your service.”

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Principal Hannah Dolphin leads a celebration of Veterans Day at Mountain View Elementary School in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Students applaud as veterans are introduced at Mountain View Elementary in Kenai, Alaska, during a celebration of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Students sing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” at Mountain View Elementary in Kenai, Alaska, during a celebration of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

A student waves to veterans at Mountain View Elementary in Kenai, Alaska, during a celebration of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion Students sing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” at Mountain View Elementary in Kenai during a celebration of Veterans Day on Monday.