‘Makes me emotional’: All-school assembly honors C.O. veterans at Bend’s High Lakes Elementary

(update: adding video, comments from High Lakes Elementary and veterans)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- High Lakes Elementary held an all-school assembly and veterans recognition ceremony in their gym Tuesday to mark Veterans Day.

Jillian Fortner spoke to veterans at the event to learn more about what such gatherings mean to them. Her report is coming up on NewsChannel 21 at Five.

"We're welcoming our veterans into the building to honor them and the sacrifices they've made for our country," Principal Kimberly Sunderberg said.

The gathering included a panel of veterans from the Army, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. It was a chance for students to learn about their various roles and hear stories from their time in service.

"The year I spent Vietnam, I learned so much about myself and also grew so much professionally... I'm sorry. It always makes me emotional talking about it." said Mary, a nurse who served in the Vietnam War. "It was just a great learning experience."

Some of the veterans had personal ties to the school, as family members of students and staff. Fifth-grade teacher Amanda Mattei was excited to introduce her students to her dad.

Michael Mattei, Amanda's father, said, "I get emotional with these kids, because I look at them, and I can think back, and I hope that they don't have to go through another war in the future."

"Students are really excited," Mattei said. "A lot of them had parents, and it is nice that I got to have that opportunity as well. I don't think I did it as a kid, so it's nice to be able to celebrate him."

Even though Veterans Day has passed, High Lakes Elementary reminds us that there’s always time to thank our veterans.