HERKIMER — Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Special Programs hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony for local veterans and staff members who are veterans Thursday at the William E. Busacker Complex.

At the end of a patriotic ceremony that included many students reading messages to veterans on stage along with readings and videos for each branch of the military, Herkimer BOCES Supervisor of Special Education Tim Johnston delivered a closing message to veterans. 

“Thank you for your service,” Johnston said. “Thank you for coming today to celebrate with us as we celebrate you.”

The event was just the second Herkimer BOCES Special Programs Veterans Day Ceremony. It was previously started before COVID-19 and brought back for the first time this year.

Johnston said the teachers and staff put in some amazing work in preparing students for the opportunities presented by the event.

In addition to celebrating veterans and thanking them for their service, the ceremony was also held to provide an experience for Special Programs students similar to what students in school districts have with their Veterans Day events, Johnston said.

Having the students present readings on stage gives them public speaking experience and an equal chance to participate in thanking veterans, he said.

“They’re capable of doing all the things those students do,” he said. “We did that today through showing our appreciation for our veterans.”