HEBRON — The Hebron Academy community paused recently to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of American veterans.

Mike Jones, Hebron Academy history teacher and college counselor, organized a Veterans Day ceremony for students and faculty that took place during the community meeting period on Nov. 10.

Jones, science teacher Gino Valeriani and buildings and grounds director Mike Hughes spoke of their personal experiences associated with the armed services: Jones and Valeriani each as the sons of World War II soldiers, and Hughes as a 24-plus year serviceman whose most recent detail included preparing soldiers for duty in Iraq. Valeriani also spoke as the father of Peary Valeriani, class of 2007, an Army MP currently stationed in Iraq.

While each man spoke, photographs from their own family albums circulated on a screen behind them, displaying images of World War II and the Iraq War.

Jones focused on the history of Veterans Day and emphasized the fact that veterans are everyday people and could easily be anyone present in the assembly hall.

Valeriani encouraged all present to listen to veterans’ stories. He told of his father’s vivid memories of rescue missions while stationed in Greenland. He also wanted the students to know that his father is a first generation American, who had spent part of his youth growing up with family in Italy, and how he fought, conceivably, against his former countrymen. Valeriani also said his son wanted him to “share with current Hebron students what it is really like to be a soldier.”

Hughes expressed the work ethic instilled in veterans. He said, “Veterans have in common a desire to exceed; there is always a sense that he or she can do more. This is a value instilled in American servicemen and women.” He pointed to examples of Ron Brooks and Tim Scammon, both Vietnam veterans who work in his department.

The community then saw a slideshow of American wartime images from the past century, created by Jones, ending with a brief film about Brandon Marrocco, four-limb amputee and Iraq veteran.

The school a capella singers, the Hebeegeebees, under the direction of music department chair Beth Barefoot, led the assembly in singing the National Anthem.