Southside School hosted a Veterans Day Nov. 9 for area veterans, including myself.

The staff and students must have thanked me 50 times during the luncheon for my service. In addition, Southside fed all of us a very tasty meal and entertained us with student recitations and some wonderful singing by Rev. Jeff Whittaker of the First Assembly of God, who has a powerful voice.  What a gift!

My thanks go to Superintendent Dan Applegate, Director of Special Education Melissa Troup, Southside Principal Paula Hopkins, and especially the students of Southside, who spent considerable time composing thoughtful messages to us veterans. Most of all, I would like to thank the teachers and administrative staff of Southside for their work organizing the luncheon.

This veteran wore a smile all day afterwards.

Michael Waldron

Niles