CRESAPTOWN — The voices of several hundred children filled the gymnasium of Cresaptown Elementary School on Wednesday as students sang songs of gratitude to area veterans.

About 50 veterans — from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Iraq and Afghanistan — sat on the stage at the afternoon gathering, their worn faces a testament to the harsh realities of war.

Students, their faces still fresh and full of hope, sat cross-legged on the floor facing the veterans.

“Open our ears that we may hear,” the children sang.

“That where there is hate there will be fear.

“Open our eyes that we may see

“That where there is love there will be peace.”

“It’s like listening to angels, it really is,” said Nicole Walker, of Bedford, Pa., who gave a keynote address during Wednesday’s tribute. A nurse, she served in the Army for 10 years.

“I’m so glad you guys did all that hard work and you learned the music and you got together and did that for us,” Walker said. “...My heart is touched.”

During Wednesday’s Veterans Day program, which has become an annual tradition at the school, students recited poems and handed out certificates of appreciation, asking veterans to stand during a description of the era when they served.

“What an important day it is for all Americans,” said Superintendent David Cox, who told students that his father served in World War II.

“To you boys and girls, we need to realize that we live in a free country because of the commitment and dedication and sacrifice of all of those people who are currently serving in the armed forces, in Iraq and Afghanistan and across the world, but also to all these fine folks who are behind me today who have served through the years to keep us free.”

Bobby Dick was moved by the children’s performances.

“Each year they outdo themselves,” said Dick, a former Marine. “It’s just a very tremendous feeling and very gratifying. This is a special place. A special place for veterans.”

Walker, who joined the Army after finishing college, told students her military experience “shaped me and helped me become who I am today.”

“The military is more than just soldiers,” she said. “The military has jobs just like the jobs your mommy and daddy, your aunt and uncles have. They have doctors, they have lawyers, they have policemen. They have secretaries, they have people who work in stores, they have firefighters. They even have vets that take care of the animals.”

Ray Frankenberry was a sailor. He was 19 when he served aboard the USS Biloxi during World War II. Now he’s 85.

“That was a few years ago,” Frankenberry said of his military days. “There isn’t many of us left.”

On Wednesday, Frankenberry posed for a photograph with his grandson, Coleton Furlow, 8, a student at Cresaptown Elementary. The program was “wonderful,” Frankenberry said.

Frankenberry tapped his toe while students sang one of the songs, directed by music teacher Betty McDowell.

“We’re changing the world one person at a time,” students sang. “We’re making it better, can’t you see? But I know it starts with me. Yes, I know it starts with me.”

Contact Kristin Harty at kharty@times-news.com.