DAYTON — In the Dayton Consolidated School gymnasium, the school chorus set the tone for an assembly Tuesday morning honoring veterans with the song “Proud of our Veterans.”

“You are patriots and heroes who answered the call,” they sang.

The assembly, held in light of Veterans Day, which takes place Friday, also included the presentation of colors by local scout troops and a flag folding ceremony by members of Patriot Riders of America-Maine Chapter #1.

Family members and loved ones who had served were invited to attend the ceremony.

Jacqui Sully, 8 and her sister, Anna, 9 ran up to hug their father, John, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1981 to 985. The girls said they were proud of their dad.

“He served our country and gave us freedom,” said Anna.

School Prinicpal Kim Sampietro said the assembly was in line with the school’s core values of safety, caring and responsibility.

Sampietro told students serving the country was a great responsibility, and that those who have served or are serving now, have studied and worked hard to protect them.

“The service members we honor today come from many different backgrounds, but they share several important qualities — they possess courage, pride, determination, selflessness and dedication to duty,” she said. “They are ordinary people who have served in extraordinary ways.”

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.