Veterans Honored Across the Touchet Valley

Starbuck Elementary School children fill the gymnasium with the patriotic notes of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and many other songs of national pride and recognition Monday night during its annual Veterans Day program. School business manager and music instructor Karen Rubenser, far left, conducts the children, in kindergarten through eighth grade, as they pay tribute to the country's veterans.

Above: Dayton veterans (from left) Juan Arebalos, Christopher Ver Valen, and Louis Razzolini pose for a portrait Tuesday, November 11, after breakfast at the American Legion Post #42 in Dayton. Razzolini served in the U.S. Army, first in the 101st Airborne Division and later the 7th Armored Division, as part of the forces occupying Germany after World War II. Arebalos, who also served in the Army, was combat wounded fighting in the Korean War. Ver Valen served in the Navyon the flight deck of the U.S.S. Nimitz during the first Gulf War. Right: Navy veteran Jim Gallaher, of Dayton, enjoys the commraderie after breakfast.