RATHDRUM - Each year around Veterans Day students tug at Reed Chase's heart.

Chase, who served in the Air Force during multiple conflicts, was among about 50 veterans who were saluted during an emotional assembly at Betty Kiefer Elementary on Wednesday.

Students came eye to eye with vets and thanked them for their service and sacrifice through handshakes, words, songs and a slide show with photos of local veterans.

"I love it," said a beaming Chase after the ceremony. "You can see it in the kids that they mean it. It's a good feeling to raise a generation that appreciates and knows what veterans have done for them.

"It's a wonderful way to say thank you to all of us."

Veterans Day, which is Friday, is a time for Chase to remember friends he lost in battle and the sacrifices the men and women in uniform and their families have made for freedoms.

"I know what families can go through," he said.

State School Superintendent Tom Luna was a guest speaker.

He thanked the students for honoring veterans and participating in giving programs such as Toys for Tots ran by the Marine Corps Reserves and Marine Corps League and Rachel's Challenge, which encourages youth to lift those in need up during the school year.

Luna urged students to take veterans' sacrifices to the next level and make their lives count.

"I believe we live in a country where dreams come true," Luna said. "Here's how you can pay them back - dream big and take advantage of the opportunities that they have given you."

Several Veterans Day assemblies and ceremonies will be held throughout North Idaho today and Friday.

Sixth-grader Adaline Borg said she appreciated the vets attending the Betty Kiefer assembly so students could say thanks.

"It was really special to have people who served our country here," she said. "I think about the men and women who have taken time off from their families to serve their country."