Moss Bluff Middle School kicked off its Veterans Day celebration with a gratitude breakfast for veterans in the cafeteria. After filling up on breakfast staples, the veterans and their families moved to the gym for the program. They were greeted by students waving American flags and thanking them for their service.

The MBMS Band played patriotic classics “Star-Spangled Banner,” “Marches of the Armed Forces” and “TAPS.” Student leaders gave presentations on the history of veterans and the sacrifice for freedom.

Principal Angela Guillory noted at the top of the program that “freedom is never free,” but instead is earned through the service of American men and women “who are willing to stand up.”

“As we honor the legacy of these brave individuals, we are reminded of the strength, resilience and commitment they have shown in the face of adversity,” she said. “Their bravery and determination have shaped the history of our nation and we owe them a debt of gratitude.”

U.S. Army Maj. Dwayne Petroski — the brother of Assistant Principal Amy Lovell — spoke at the program to give students first-hand advice on what it takes to be a patriot.

He has served in the armed forces for 26 years. He is currently serving in the Louisiana Army National Guard, and is assigned as executive officer of the 527th Engineer Battalion stationed in Ruston.

“You are all the future of our country, and many of you will no doubt serve in some capacity with the armed forces one day,” he told them.

He laid out the seven core values of the Army that students can integrate into their daily lives: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. In spirit, these virtues spell “leadership.”

“Each branch of service, whether it’s the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and now we have the Space Force, each branch has their own core values that they hold dear. By living up to those core values, you’re expressing and providing leadership to those you serve.”

Through kind actions like standing up for peers who are being bullied, helping their friends with their homework and helping their teachers when they can, students can serve as leaders, he told the students.

“The service of our veterans is something that affects each and every once of us,” he said. “Even if you don’t realize it, the freedom and safety that we enjoy every day is possible because of the courageous men and women who have chosen to serve our country.

“But just like those soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and guardians have made the decision to serve this great nation in service to others, you, too, can choose to serve right now.”