Star Middle School students and veterans from the community leaned forward to listen when former Gov. Butch Otter came to the microphone during a morning assembly for the school’s annual Veterans Tribute.

“These are the times that try men’s souls,” Otter said, quoting the entirety of revolutionary Thomas Paine’s “American Crisis” in an address to veterans and middle schoolers. Otter served in the U.S. Army.

Just after 9 a.m., an American Legion Honor Guard entered the Star Middle School gym to a bugle call, initiating the ceremony.

State law mandates all schools make an observance of Veterans Day lasting at least one period, if the date falls on a school day.

Star Middle’s hourlong tribute mixed patriotic music with historical references, including an explanation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a recital of the Gettysburg Address.

Star Middle choir and band students performed most of the music, punctuated by the Caldwell Police Pipes and Drums. They started with the “Star Spangled Banner” and worked through the theme songs for each branch of the United States Military.

Veterans stood to be honored multiple times throughout the occasion, receiving applause from hundreds of gathered students and faculty.

As the celebration came to a close, students filed out and veterans mingled – marveling at the ceremony.

“I’ve lived here 31 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Otter said to Star mayor Trevor Chadwick, a U.S. Army veteran.