CARTERVILLE - Banners, posters and poems honoring men and women of the armed forces fill the corridors and gymnasium of Carterville Intermediate School. Stars reflecting the pictures of veterans hang from hallway ceilings.

Students created more than 500 projects in preparation for the school's first Veterans Day luncheon. Every student contributed to the commemorative displays at Thursday's event.

"We want to make vets feel special and say thank you for what they've done and continue to do," Unit 5 Superintendent Tim Bleyer said. "And, we're in the education business. It's extremely important to educate our young people on what veterans have done to shape our country and the sacrifices they've made."

Nearly 100 veterans and their guests turned out for the program, which featured patriotic music by the school band and chorus. A barbecue lunch prepared by school cooks followed the program. Students from seventh and eighth grade social studies classes served the meals.

Principal Keith Liddell said personal invitations were sent out to veterans in Carterville, Cambria and Crainville. He said the local VFW and American Legion provided lists of veterans in the Tri-C area. Invitations were also sent home with every student.

J.P. Barrington of Carterville, a Vietnam veteran, attended the luncheon. Barrington is a retired vice president from John A. Logan College. His daughter, April Bittle, teaches social studies at CIS.

"Any time the community takes an opportunity to honor those who serve their country, it shows we value the freedom we have in the United States - freedoms that other countries do not have," Barrington said. "In addition, it gives the students an opportunity through their assignments to learn about particular experiences veterans have had."

Fifth-grader Ethan Bird seemed impressed with the veterans invited to speak in his classroom.

"It's really cool to hear their stories," Bird said.

Resource teacher Debby Bouse said students were enthusiastic about the program, "especially those who have a relative coming."

mary.layton@thesouthern.com

997-3356 ext. 5071