RATHDRUM — Mountain View Alternative High School students honored military veterans Thursday with a pancake breakfast and raising of the colors.

“Our country celebrates veterans on a yearly basis. It’s neat, because I think that young guys should all go straight to the military,” said Principal Paul Uzzi. “It helps them to grow up and get a different perspective on life. It gives them something to be proud of. So many kids graduate from high school and they are kind of like a ship without an anchor. The military gives kids that direction. It lets them taste the world.”

Despite cold weather, the entire student body gathered outside for the Pledge of Allegiance and hoisting of the flag, with student Thomas Winters, 16, leading the efforts along with three other students.

Winters, an aspiring Marine, participates in the Youth Pathfinder Academy. YPA is a program for ages 14-18. Youth are mentored by the Idaho Army National Guard and participate in monthly military style drills and training with National Guard members.

Winters, dressed in a well-pressed BDU (battle dress uniform), took his work seriously. He carried himself with the decorum befitting a future Marine.

Students also honored Army veteran Kirk Hartman, a former custodian at Mountain View.

“I served in both Vietnam and Germany,” Hartman said. “It feels great to be back here and to be honored by the students and staff.”

Assistant principal and teacher Mark Gorton called the group to order.

“I know it’s cold, I know it’s hard to pay attention, but for the next couple of minutes, please do so,” Gorton said. “The theme of today is Veterans Day. We should be doing this at 11 in the morning when the Armistice of World War I was signed. Originally this day was to remember the men who died in that war. However, one of the most important things I’ve seen happen over time is that it’s become a day to honor all veterans and those currently serving.”

Gorton introduced three staff members who are also veterans. Principle Uzzi, former Coast Guardsman with Port Security Unit 313; Brandon Harding, formerly of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne, who now teaches science; and Jimmy Benson, an Air Force veteran with the 6920 Electronic Security Group, who teaches English.

“Finally, we also want to take time to recognize an individual who is going to make it so you and I can sleep safely at night,” Gorton said. “Thomas Winters.”

Students clapped and cheered in support of the veterans present and their classmate Winters, before filing into the kitchen to enjoy a meal.