SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Students in Speedway rallied together Friday to show their support for local veterans.
The school district planned a series of events to thank them for their service.
Students and staff lined the streets and waved flags, held “Thank you” signs, and cheered the veterans on as they drove by.
“It was a little overwhelming,” said Speedway Police Ofc. Jereme Howard. “To see these kids out with the flag. It’s awesome. It was very, very moving.”
Howard works for the Speedway Police Department, but he is also a school resource officer and a veteran.
About 25 veterans from all different branches of the military rode in the parade Friday morning.
Sean Mathew, who is also a veteran, said they were met with an enthusiasm that they could have never imagined.
“You know it means the world because a lot of times you think these kids don’t understand,” he said. “It just hits you in the heart you know.”
Speedway Junior High School principal Rick Rosebrough said they make it a priority to teach students about the sacrifice.
"We just want to stress to our kids the importance of remembering those heroes,” said Rosebrough. "The ones that lost their lives and the ones that are still serving.”
The veterans said they were humbled by the show of support for the men and women who put their life on the line, serving our country to protect generations to come.
“We have to protect our country we have to protect America,” said Howard. “God bless the USA.”