By Aman Chabra, Local News 8 Reporter

FIRTH – More than 100 current and former soldiers were honored at Firth High School Wednesday, as students, faculty and parents came out for a morning assembly commemorating Veteran’s Day.

The ceremony featured remarks from active-duty servicemen as well as emotional tributes to local soldiers killed in battle.

One tribute came from a widow of the Vietnam War, while the other was given on behalf of the family of Spc. Randy Neff who died earlier this year while fighting in Iraq.

Each tribute was met with a standing ovation from those in attendance, including the numerous former servicemen who were seated in uniform in front of the podium on the gym floor.

“I’m very proud to be here and proud to see those veterans,” said Loren Rucker, a member of the Navy who is scheduled to ship out Saturday to Iraq for his fifth tour in the Middle East.

Students filled the bleachers of the gym Wednesday morning, many in formal dress for the occasion.  Most took the opportunity to shake the hands of the current and former servicemen after the ceremony.

Those currently serving appreciate the recognition.

“It was great to see all these students out here and to see them dress up in their shirts and ties and dresses for this, it was really special,” said Rucker.