Students in our county’s public schools enjoy a top-notch education thanks to those who are brave enough to protect that freedom and the many others we enjoy in the U.S.A.

According to an article on page A2 of the Sunday Butler Eagle, middle school students in Mars already are learning that lesson.

Longtime Mars Area School District guidance counselor Tanis Rose started a Wall of Honor six years ago at Mars Middle School in honor of Veterans Day.

In the project, the school’s spirit club collects photos and information on the loved ones of students and faculty who served in the military.

This year was no different, as a photo that accompanied the story showed a group of students sitting on the floor in front of the school’s impressive Wall of Honor.

Courtney Waugaman, a teacher at the middle school and the spirit club sponsor, said about a dozen students normally bring in information and photos for the wall.

This year, Waugaman said 50 students proudly responded with pictures and information about their relatives who served.

She said the veterans range from a great-grandfather who was in World War I to students’ siblings who are currently deployed overseas.

Rose also submitted her husband’s photo and information for the Wall of Honor.

A story that appears in today’s edition of the Butler Eagle showcased the “Salute To Our Veterans” event at HIS Kids Christian School in Jefferson Township.

In the program, area veterans are invited to the school for a hearty lunch and program by the students that includes songs, prayers, cards and lots of love and appreciation for the 14 veterans who attended.

The Eagle offers a heartfelt salute to these schools, and all other educators in the county who make honoring military veterans a regular lesson.

We hope these programs will result in a lifetime of honor and appreciation for our local veterans, and those who bravely served all across the U.S.A.

— PG