Pleasant Valley Intermediate School celebrated Veterans Day on Friday afternoon with a special “Brunch with the Brave” for nearly 200 veterans and students and a schoolwide assembly afterward.

“I think it is awesome we are recognizing those who have served and have put their life on the line,” said Simon Baringoldz, who served in the Marines from 2014-2017 and was invited by fourth grade student Matthew Kovalsky.

Jeremy Livingston and his daughter, Lilly, a fourth grade student, sat at the table behind them.

“I loved being out at sea and seeing the whales and the sharks, and tasting the salt in the air,” said Livingston, who was aboard the Navy’s USS Shrike from 1998-2007.

Livingston spoke of the ship being docked in Ingleside, Texas, and how he was a radio man, an information systems technician and master helmsman.

While waiting in line for their French toast and bacon, Matthew Machalick told his daughter, third grade student Mercedes Machalick, about his 18 years in the Army and being deployed twice during the Global War on Terrorism.

“She asked me if the uniform still fit, and it did. I wore it today,” he said.

Mitch Hawk Sr. was once again invited by his granddaughter, fifth grade student Kaylee Hawk, to be part of the event.

“I enjoy coming here each year. This is a special time for us,” he said.

Hawk was a Navy SEAL Team 2 during Vietnam - a war whose soldiers were not greeted favorably upon return. It was not until recently that they received respect and honor for their service.

“I was spit at when I came through the Allentown airport,” he said.

As they left the auxiliary gym to go to the assembly, McCutchan encouraged everyone to look for the stars that students made. They hung on the windows of the courtyard - visible to everyone passing by both gyms. Some stars had photos of the service member in their uniform.

During his opening remarks, Assistant Principal Tim McCutchan shared a brief history of Armistice Day, which goes back to Nov. 11, 1918, when Germany and the Allies signed an agreement to end World War 1. It became a national holiday in 1938.

“In 1954, Congress passed a bill and President Eisenhower signed it, changing the name to Veterans Day,” said McCutchan.

He concluded with a quote from President John F. Kennedy, who said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Music teacher Athena Yeager conducted the 4th grade chorus, who sang the national anthem and “The Brave,” by John Riggio.

“I served 4 years active duty and 20 years in the reserves. A lot of my military experiences were good,” said keynote speaker Steve Daderko, retired Navy lieutenant and VALOR House community service coordinator.

He told the students that many service members do not consider themselves to be heroes - that they just did what they had to do to get by and keep others safe.

“We feel really good when someone your age comes up and says, ‘Thank you’ to us,” he said.

Later, Daderko received one of three carts containing canned food and personal hygiene items that students and staff collected during a recent food drive. The other two carts remained in a storage area until he was ready to leave.

“Thank you all so much, these items will go a long way at events such as our stand downs, where we give clothing and toiletries to homeless veterans,” Daderko said.