VIDEO: Portsmouth Students Perform Stirring Veterans Day Tribute

An outpouring of students, faculty, parents and veterans packed the  gymnasium Wednesday morning for their annual Veterans Day assembly, displaying fanfare like few other cities or towns.

The Wilbur-McMahon and  marching bands played patriotic songs, and first- through fifth-grade students each separately sang the hymns and theme songs to the five military branches, conducted by Head Teacher B.J. Whitehouse on the keyboard. The fourth-graders also sang the Preamble Song.

Members of the  provided the color guard for the assembly. During the event, Whitehouse ran a slideshow of all Wilbur-McMahon alums who served the country.

Principal Jim Gibney estimated that between 250 and 275 people came to the school for the unique event.

"It's a nice way to ensure the feeling of patriotism in our country," he said.

Eighth-grade student Corrina McClain read a "letter to thanks" to all men and women serving the United States, followed by a moment of silence for all those who have fallen in battle.

"Thank you for fighting for us," she said. "Thank you for never giving up. You're teaching us what it means to be an American. You're an inspiration to us and will forever be remembered."