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NEAR ELDON, IOWA -- It was a Veteran’s Day blowout at the Cardinal Schools today.

The district’s gym was jam-packed with vets, students and dignitaries.

Boy Scout Troop 22 kicked off the festivities by presenting the colors.

And then a parade of over three dozen veterans was honored by their branch of service.

The winners of the Cardinal School Veteran’s Day Essay Contest were recognized and given a 25 dollar gift certificate present by the American Legion Auxiliary.

One of the clear highlights of the day was the Cardinal Elementary students singing the patriotic song, This Is My Country.

At the end of the song, the students each produced a hand made American flag to wave.

The featured speaker was Air Force Sergeant Gavin Gardner, who addressed the crowd before taps were played for the veterans who didn’t make it home.

First year superintendent Joel Pedersen says that he was completely taken aback by the size of the turnout. He said he knew the event was important to the school, but didn’t realize how big it was until he took the podiums.