In front of the microphone, David Thurman was having a difficult time finding the words as he attempted to welcome 30-some veterans to Southside School in Niles Tuesday afternoon.

The pre-vocational program student covered his face with his hands before continuing on with the help of Southside Principal Adrienne Blanton.

“Thank you for coming,” Thurman said.

It was an emotional hour for many in attendance during the low-incidence special needs school’s annual Veterans Day luncheon.

The veterans were treated to lunch and dessert in a cafeteria surrounded by student-made posters and projects all professing the school’s admiration of veterans.

“We all thank you for persevering and protecting our country, our liberty and our freedom,” said pre-vocational student Robert Horvath, reading from his essay titled “Veterans.”

“We know it took great courage and bravery to battle such a dangerous enemy. We all will remember you and the ones who died in battle,” it said.

Another pre-vocational student, Cody Eggers, saluted the veterans by reading aloud his essay.

“You fought to protect our country, and I would like to thank you for laying your life on the line,” he said. “You made sure we could keep our freedom.”

Each veteran introduced himself to the students, and many thanked the school for putting on the program.

After lunch, pre-vocational teacher Marty Oleson led all those in the cafeteria in singing “God Bless the USA.”