For more than a quarter-century, members of a Franklin Regional Middle School eighth-grade performing arts class have welcomed veterans to the school annually to honor their valor and sacrifice at a Veterans Day assembly.

That tradition will continue with this year’s assembly at both 8:30 and 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at the school, 4660 Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville. An evening performance will also take place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Performing arts teacher Bruce Palmiscno said the program is geared toward veterans and students at the middle school.

“A veteran father explains the importance of freedom and of Veterans Day to his young daughter through poems, skits, stories and song and dance,” Palmiscno said. “Local veterans share the morning conversing over coffee and doughnuts and then gathering for lunch together in our school cafeteria with the student body.”

Veterans from Delmont, Export and Murrysville are invited to attend. This year’s theme is “Freedom is Not Free.”

Palmisco said he likes giving students a chance to hear from veterans.

“They enjoy sharing their stories, and our students look forward to learning about the veterans firsthand,” he said.