Veterans Day is on Monday, and West Central Valley High School will have an all-school assembly to show their support for those who have served our nation’s armed forces.

The assembly will feature the pep band and school chorus, which will perform an honorary tribute to local veterans in attendance for all of their time and service to our country.

This year’s celebration will also feature a speech from the Iowa State Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Dave Thornburg.  Thornburg says he will be in attendance to thank the school for their recent clothing drive effort and to discuss the significance of Veterans Day.

For Thornburg, the holiday is particularly special as he has a daughter currently serving in the armed forces.

“We can never be thankful enough for what the men and women are doing in harms way just to take care of our freedoms that we have today.  Without the vets and especially their families, because they’re the ones that have to go without when their loved ones are gone… (Veterans Day) just means a whole lot to me.”

Thornburg thinks people can be doing more to help Iowa veterans, as he believes their efforts aren’t appreciated as much as they should be.

However, he does want to acknowledge that West Central Valley’s clothing drive will have a significant impact on the D.A.V. in Des Moines, likely an even greater impact than anybody might realize.

Monday’s all-school assembly begins at 8:30am.  Local veterans who would like to attend can contact the high school at 515-523-1313.