Ben Garbacz/Daily Mining Gazette The Copper Island Academy choir and band performed for veterans and their families gathered at the school's Veterans Day Luncheon Tuesday

CALUMET — Copper Island Academy was one of many schools locally to thank and honor veterans for their service on Veterans Day. The school hosted a gathering of veterans Tuesday to eat a meal served by students and faculty with their families. The event was held in the school gymnasium, where the luncheon was preceded by the Pledge of Allegiance, a performance from the school band of the Star Spangled Banner, the school choir singing America the Beautiful and then finally the reading of two students’ essays regarding patriotism and gratitude for the service of veterans.

“When I meet a veteran, I see more than just a uniform or a title. I see a person who made a promise– to protect our nation no matter what it took,” eighth grader Josie Helppi read to the crowd. “Veterans remind me that freedom isn’t free; it’s something that has to be defended and cared for by those brave enough to stand up for it.”

Helppi said the students can never truly repay what veterans have given them, but they can honor them by saying thank you, by listening to their stories and living their lives with respect for the freedoms they fought for.

“So to every veteran, I want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your courage, your strength and your love for our country. Because of you, we get to wake hip each day in a land of freedom and opportunity. You are true heroes, and we will never forget what you have done for us,” she said.

Seventh grader Liam Langley, read his essay on patriotism, sayinf patriotism is not just about saying the Pledge of Allegiance or singing the national anthem. “It’s about showing a deep love and respect for our country and contributing to the future of the U.S.A. True patriotism means more than words; it’s about actions, effort and pride in helping our nation grow stronger every day,” Langley read to the veterans and school body. He explained one way he shows patriotism is through his actions in the community and trying to be the best citizen he can be following the rules, helping others and contributing positively to his neighborhood.

“Patriotism, for me, is also about reflecting on America’s past by recognizing both its achievements and its flaws,” Langley said. “We can be proud of how far we’ve come while still working to make our country even better. Loving our country means never giving up on it.”

The veterans and their families gathered then shared stories with one another as they had a lunch of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, greens and rolls.