KENNEWICK -- Students and teachers at Highlands Middle School pay tribute to dozens of local veterans today.

Speakers at a school assembly shared stories and read poems.

They want us to always remember the hard work the men and women in the military do for our country.

Students passed out notes of appreciation to all the veterans attending.

And the school's band and choir performed.

Veterans say the assembly made them feel proud to be American.

"You wanna get a tear in your eye, because now you're being recognized" said Jerry Wallace, served in Korea and Japan.

Wallace says being in the military humbled him and made him appreciate life.

He says residents can support local veterans by showing appreciation for the current troops.