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Paying homage

Stephanie Webber Abington Journal Intern

Students of Abington Heights Middles School were among many to attend a Veterans’ Day program Wednesday, Nov. 11. In the school auditorium, veteran family members of some eighth grade students were welcomed by the faculty and staff for the special occasion.

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At right, speakers at the Abington Heights Middle School, Lt. Col. Mary McPeak and Lt. Col Bruce McPeak.

Abington Journal/Stephanie Webber

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U.S. Rep. Christopher P. Carney visits Keystone College in La Plume.

Abington Journal/Don McGlynn

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Lt. Col. Bruce McPeak and Lt. Col. Mary McPeak, parents of a sixth grade student, spoke at all four assemblies. Lt. Col. Bruce McPeak has served for 28 years and is currently serving as the commander for the Defense Distribution Center in Tobyhanna. Lt. Col. Mary McPeak recently served as a battalion commander of the 143D Ordance Battalion, Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. She has served in the Army Ordnance Branch like her husband for the past 21 years.

Principal Ed Kairis began the program by introducing and giving a round of applause to the veterans present. The eighth grade band played songs from each branch of the military with the help of band director Rebecca Santoro Hetzel.

Lt. Col. Mary McPeak spoke about the importance of celebrating a veterans’ work. “We see the best of character in the lives of our veterans,” she said. “Our cause is liberty, justice and peace.” After viewing a video about how technology is used in the army, Lt. Col. Bruce McPeak introduced the audience to a video from Major William Hogan, who is presently stationed in Afghanistan. The video was previously taped and sent for the school’s viewing the day before. Students cheered when Major Hogan pointed to the Abington Heights T-shirt that he was wearing.

Students of all grades were able to experience the informative Veterans’ Day presentation within their specific age group throughout the day. The eighth grade presentation took place at 12:30 p.m.

In other parts of the Abingtons, the Abington Memorial VFW Post No. 7069 sponsored a memorial service at Our Lady of the Snows Church, Clarks Summit. Following the service all were invited to a reception and dinner the post home. Also, U.S. Rep. Christopher P. Carney visited Keystone College and Lackawanna Trail High School.