Annual Veterans Day recognition program hosted by West Side Middle School

ELKHART, Ind. -- West Side Middle School held its annual Veteran Day program Wednesday to recognize and honor veterans in the community.

The ceremony included a presentation of colors by the Elkhart High School Air Force ROTC Honor Guard, musical performances, remarks from Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson and keynote speaker from First Sergeant Willie Brown.

Seventh-grade social studies teacher Chad Crabtree said the program helps students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-life experiences.

"I think it's important because it's honoring the servicemen and women who fought for this country," says Crabtree.

Veteran Bill VanPatten also shared his experience serving in the military, first in the Army National Guard before transferring to the Navy.

"I was Army Guard first, was a company cook, and then I got transferred to the regular Navy, and wanted to be a fighter pilot. But one thing led to another, and I couldn't pass the physical."

West Side Middle school principal Kerry Leedler said the annual tradition is also about preserving memories and connections between generations. 

"As our generations of families continue to pass through Elkhart Community Schools, it's really trying to still hold on to those sacred memories and those sacred connections. Whether it's great grandparents, grandparents, cousins, families, aunts, uncles within the family."