BELLFLOWER – Four Bellflower Unified elementary schools will honor local veterans on Thursday, Nov. 10 in ceremonies that include singing patriotic songs, instrumental performances, presentations by veterans about their experiences, certificates of thanks given to veterans and a moment of silence.

“Veterans Day offers our children a chance to learn about the sacrifices of real-life American heroes firsthand as well as to thank those heroes for their efforts on our behalf,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Jacobs said. “As such, it brings to life a critical civics lesson in a fashion far more dramatic and meaningful than possible through classroom instruction alone.”

Here are the day’s events:

Stephen Foster Elementary, 5223 Bigelow St., Lakewood: Stephen Foster Elementary will welcome 55 veterans for an 8:30 a.m. ceremony. School staff members and veterans Joanna Gibbs and Viggo Mangold will lead a Pledge of Allegiance; kindergarten teacher Vince Gonzales will sing the National Anthem. Assistant Principal Annabel Dannemann will introduce special guests.

Andy Scullion and Ronald Greenwood of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division will make a presentation. Kindergarteners will sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” followed by a welcome from Student Council President Ruby Feolo and Vice President Lorelei Rojo. A first-grade student will give a dance performance and three students will give speeches and read poems, followed by a performance of “Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue” by the entire student body.

Next, Principal Confidence Johnson will lead the school in recognizing the 55 veterans individually invited by students. A moment of silence will follow while “Taps” is played. The event concludes with a performance of “There are Many Flags” by the kindergarten students and refreshments.

Craig William Elementary, 6144 Clark Ave., Lakewood: Williams Elementary will host a patriotic program of events at 8:35 a.m. to honor the legacy of Vietnam War hero Craig Williams, for whom the school is named. Craig Williams was a local resident who died in the Vietnam War during an attempt to rescue a comrade.

Student Council President Alexzander Martinez will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Principal Stacey Williams will read a biography of Craig Williams. Cerritos City Councilmember Jim Edwards will talk about growing up with Craig Williams. Principal Williams will call out the names of more than a dozen veterans who will receive certificates from Student Council members, and lead the school in singing the National Anthem.

Mayfair High School Trumpeteers Zechariah Long and Justin Villamor will perform “Taps.” Students will observe a moment of silence and conclude the event by waving flags in gratitude to veterans.

Ramona Elementary School, 9351 Laurel St., Bellflower: Following the Pledge of Allegiance at 8:30 a.m., the Ramona Elementary Advanced Chorus and Ensemble singers will lead the student body in singing the National Anthem. Veterans invited to the ceremony will sit as students sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Student Council President Damian Estrada and Principal Deirdre Reyes will welcome the guests, followed by student speeches about the importance of honoring our veterans.

Veterans will be introduced by Principal Deirdre Reyes, according to their branch of service. Student council members will present each veteran with a certificate of appreciation. The program will continue with a performance of “We Will Not Forget” by the ensemble, a moment of silence and a performance of “America” by the Ramona Band.

The event will conclude with “You’re a Grand Old Flag” sung by the student body as they wave individual U.S. flags to show respect and appreciation. Breakfast will also be served.

Intensive Learning Center, 4718 Michelson St., Lakewood: The event will begin at 8 a.m. with a welcome from Principal Dr. Michael Remland. The flag will be raised by fourth-grade teacher Kevin Scamman and student council members will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Next, the National Anthem will be sung by the student body. Third-grade students will read the poem “Veterans Day,” followed by a moment of silence and “Taps” performed by Mayfair High School Trumpeteers. Scamman and students will honor 33 veterans invited to attend the event.

The program will conclude with a special veterans breakfast and performances of “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” by second-graders.