LeROY -- The bleachers were filled at LeRoy Junior/Senior High School on Wednesday as students, families and veterans gathered to honor veterans past and present.

The school does not close on Veterans Day, a federal holiday, but instead uses it to share lessons with students.

Math teacher John Briggs, a Vietnam War veteran, said he hadn't planned to serve his country or to become a teacher. Growing up he wanted to be a chicken farmer.

Instead, he served 1969-1971 with the U.S. Army. He wasn't deployed to Vietnam, but lost two high school friends there.

"I wasn't greeted by cheering crowds and threw away everything from my service except for the shirt I'm wearing today," he said.

In contrast, Principal Steve Reschke, a Gulf War veteran, was greeted by three marching bands, a state senator and 1,000 people.

"My service wasn't heroic, but I'm proud to be honored with others who did whatever they could so we can do what we want to today," Briggs said.

Reschke, who was an Army helicopter pilot in Iraq, told the students a salute is the ultimate symbol of respect. "Your salute means the world to me."