Area students will once again be giving honor to local veterans and receiving a history lesson from local speakers at the same time.

For the sixth year Shelbyville students are inviting veterans to join them for a special program on Tuesday, November 10, at 9:30 a.m. in the High School gym.

Breakfast will also be served to the veterans at 8:30 a.m. in the cafeteria.

“The time is different than the past years. We are doing a morning program due to early dismissals in the afternoon,” said organizer Angela Temples, Moulton Middle School Language Arts teacher.

The program will be offered by the students with Presentation of Colors by the Shelbyville Boy Scout Troop 51, “The Star Spangled Banner” sung by 7-year-old Alexis Cutler, dance by the Moulton in Motion dance troupe, and music by the 4th - 8th grade chorus.

The Mt. Zion Drum Line will also be featured during the program.

“They were really popular when they were here a couple of years ago. I had to invite them back,” Temples said.

The students and veterans will hear the stories of two World War II honorees.

Joe Ernst of Arcola will be present to reflect on a special mission he was involved in on D-Day at the invasion of Normandy. He recently received the French Legion of Honor Medal for the mission.

High School Assistant Principal will also share about his great uncle Bob “Popeye” Pullen, who was also from Arcola and in the Navy during World War II. Pullen survived the sinking of his ship only to be taken as a prisoner in Burma where he later died.

“It’s really a capitivating story,” Temples said.

Veterans attending the program are asked to enter the high school building through the main west doors for registration. They will also be given gifts donated by the student council.

Okaw Valley schools are also planning a special program for veterans and family members at the high school in Bethany at 9:15 a.m. on November 10. The program will feature performances by the band and chorus students.

Breakfast will also be served at 8 a.m.

“The students and staff at Okaw Valley thank all veterans for their acts of courage and devotion to the ideals that have served to guide our nation. We would be honored if you could join us to pay tribute to all the brave men and women who have admirably served our country,” said Eric Bruder, Okaw Valley High School principal.