Lots of red white and blue overflowing with patriotism filled Burlington School's auditorium on Veterans Day. Also seen were camouflage uniforms worn by soldiers who are serving or served their country in recent years. Burlington is fortunate to have a few World War II veterans who are still able to attend the school's program to honor them and all who fought for their country through the generations. Numerous Vietnam veterans stood during recognition as did soldiers from about all the wars and conflicts since then.

Yvonne Miller

Dressed respectfully for Veterans Day, Burlington's choir sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America" with their director Kiley Feeley: (front, from left) Kayli Stewart, Jackson Feely, Gatlin Jewell, Silvery Kiwia, Ethan Barron; (second row) Jazmine Vest, Caitlin Flackman, Paden Allen, Kade Wright, Caleb Cox; (third row) Jacobi Cox, Rory Olson, Brenner Clark; (top) Kelsi Smith, Gabe Stewart, Jonathan Armbruster, Stanley Klippenstein, Marshall Burnet.

Directed by Kiley Feely, the junior/senior high choir performed "The Star-Spangled Banner," which was as beautiful as the sunny weather outside.

Dressed in patriotic colors, the kindergarten through third-grade choir happily saluted veterans during their singing of the "Armed Forces Medley."

Touching videos reminded the crowd that freedom is not free. For all the veterans sitting in the crowd – they needed no reminder.

Lt. Col. Kent Guffy, a Burlington and West Point graduate, spoke about his lifelong military career. His comments are featured in a separate article.

Patriotism and love of God in this rural community was evident as the 4th – 12th grade choir ended the program with "God Bless America."